09. July 2015 - 22. November 2015

Image – Tower – Building

Richard Meier and Ulm Minster

Foto: Matthias Kessler

In 1986 the city of Ulm and the jury it appointed commissioned Richard Meier (*1934), one of the leading architects for museums at the turn of the 21st century, to build the Stadthaus Ulm. The building was completed 1993 and it is a manifestation of the design principles that were developed from the modern architecture of the 20th century and which Richard Meier consistently followed and perfected since the late 1960ies. It also documents a very specific response to the place where it was was built: The minster square had often been a matter of discussion ever since its clearing and the completion of the minster spire in 1890, but none of the drafts ever came close to Meier's concept.

Foto: Ingrid Leuze

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the spire's completion and our exhibition will explore the principles and effects of Richard Meier's architecture, what it's based on, which instruments it applies and which references it incorporates – in the case of Ulm the minster and its spire. Last but not least: How it responds to the surroundings architecturally.

Foto: Ingrid Leuze

Image and Construction

Meier's architecture is celebrating the view of its surroundings - with the Stadthaus Ulm it is the minster and its spire. Architecture as a tool to guide and shape the view stands in a humanistic tradition that extends from the Renaissance well into the 20th century. A number of selected models, images and schemata regarding artistic sight and how it is reflected in (early) modern age directly refer to this tradition. However, the Stadthaus itself and its development and construction will be the main exhibit in this section, alongside a large wooden model of its vis-à-vis, the Ulm Minster.

Richard Meier: Haus für die Eltern Essex Fells, New Jersey, 1963 – 1965. Südansicht, Bleistift auf Transparent

This exhibition is organized by Richard Meier & Partners Architects in collaboration with Stadthaus Ulm
Project management: Dr. Sylvia Claus (ETH Zürich), Prof. Dr. Matthias Schirren (TU Kaiserslautern)
Opening: Wednesday, July 8, 2015, 7:00 to 9:00 pm

Richard Meier: Reforma Towers Mexico City, Mexico, 2012 – 2016 Blick von Osten.

Rendering: ©  Vize.com

Guided tours
Sunday, 12.07.2015, 2:00 pm
Thursday, 23.07.2015, 5.30 pm
Thursday, 01.10.2015, 5.30 pm
Sunday, 22.11.2015, 2:00 pm

Richard Meier: Reforma Towers Mexico City, Mexico, 2012 – 2016, Atrium.

Rendering: © Vize.com

3,50 €, children 1,50 €, further children of the family 50 cent each.
Guided tours for groups on work days: 55€ / on Sundays and public holidays: 65€, (+ € 15 for guided tours in english language) school classes: 30€
Please inquire for tours by calling 0731 161 7700.