James-Simon-Galerie, Berlin | Germany

As the new entrance building and visitor centre for the Berlin Museum Island, the James-Simon-Galerie opened its doors in July 2019. The James-Simon-Galerie extends in a north-south direction between Kupfergraben and Neues Museum. The sixth house on the Museum Island, based on plans by David Chipperfield Architects, fits harmoniously into the historic collection and at the same time embodies a contemporary accent. Named after the important patron James Simon, the gallery forms the core of the master plan for the Museum Island along with the Archaeological Promenade.

The James-Simon-Galerie consists of information and till area, cloakroom, museum shop along with a cafe and restaurant, auditorium and space for special exhibitions. As a visitor centre, the gallery takes on a central service function and leads the museum guests via the Archaeological Promenade to the individual museums and exhibitions. A large open stairway receives the visitors of the Museum Island. A definitive architectural element is the motif of the colonnades, a historical arcade, that has, however, been implemented here in a modern form.

The James-Simon-Galerie is equipped with the classic JUNG LS 990 switch design in black.