Silesian Museum

The Museum is set on the grounds of a formal coal mine, thoughtfully incorporating surviving settings and structures, in a nod to Katowice’s industrial heritage. Almost all of the exhibit spaces are subterranean, crowned by dramatic translucent glass “cubes,” which morph into sculptural light forms at night. The above-ground glass structures are constructed with open-ventilated glass facade systems, featuring Wall-H compression fittings and decorative patterned glass. Their main utility is to bring diffused daylight to the galleries below, as well as add character and architectural appeal to the museum grounds. A similar design tactic was employed by Steven Holl Architects at the award-winning Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, MO, featuring Bendheim’s channel glass wall systems. Photos courtesy of Längle.