Historic Danish Farm Transformed Into Museum Celebrating Furniture Legend Hans J. Wegner - Yanko Design

"Danish architecture studio COBE has revealed its thoughtful design for Museum Wegner, a new cultural institution that will celebrate the life and legacy of Hans J. Wegner, the legendary furniture designer known worldwide as "the Master of the Chair." Set to rise in the marshlands outside Tönder-Wegner's childhood hometown where he first trained as a carpenter-the museum represents both an architectural achievement and a poignant homecoming for Denmark's design heritage."

"The 5,000-square-meter museum will transform a pair of historic farm buildings dating back to 1445, weaving together centuries of craftsmanship tradition with contemporary architectural innovation. "The ambition with Museum Wegner is to pay tribute to an absolute legend in Danish design," the studio explains, noting that Denmark currently has only two museums dedicated to Danish design-a gap this new institution aims to fill. The project's significance extends beyond mere exhibition space; it embodies the very principles that made Wegner's furniture internationally acclaimed."

"COBE's approach mirrors Wegner's own design philosophy, emphasizing honest materials, visible construction methods, and the seamless integration of sculptural form with everyday function. The design strategy centers on what they call "honest use of materials," employing timber-Wegner's preferred medium-throughout the contemporary additions. Traditional building techniques feature prominently, establishing clear connections between form and function that echo Wegner's furniture designs, including classics like the Wishbone Chair and The Chair, famously used in the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon presidential debates."

Museum Wegner will occupy 5,000 square meters in the marshlands near Tönder-Wegner's childhood hometown, transforming two farm buildings dating to 1445. The project weaves centuries of craftsmanship with contemporary architectural innovation and adapts historic structures for museum use while preserving essential character. COBE emphasizes timber, visible construction, and traditional building techniques to reflect Wegner's principles of honest materials and functional sculptural form. New wood-framed additions will be raised on slender footings and integrate with restored fabric. The institution aims to fill a gap in Danish design museums and embody the methods that made Wegner internationally acclaimed.

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