History is not something that happens to us by chance—it is the product of human action. It represents change, reflection, and forward-thinking all at once. The House of History of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bonn has undergone a fundamental transformation in recent years: As part of the redesign of the permanent exhibition, conceived and executed by the Amsterdam office Kossmanndejong, Franke Architektur | Innenarchitektur from Düren comprehensively modernized and reimagined all public gathering spaces.

The interior design carefully builds upon the existing structure, in the context of the defining competition design from the 1990s by architect Ingeborg and Hartmut Rüdiger. Existing materials such as natural stone, concrete, and steel are carried forward and combined with new materials to create a harmonious overall image. The newly designed reception desk appears monolithic, crafted from mineral composite—compact yet open at the same time, and consistently oriented toward visitor needs. Mobile, wheeled trolleys provide additional storage for information materials and serve as flexible service points. Behind the desk, a multifunctional back wall offers additional storage. Spotlights installed beneath the existing concrete structure on a slender steel frame ensure better, more precise illumination. The new colored seating furniture in the spacious foyer echoes the existing column structure, underscoring the architecture and spatial qualities. In the conference room, the high-quality wooden carpentry remained intact, while new shelving and coat rack installations were sustainably integrated. Complementary furnishings, refreshed carpet flooring, and wall paint coordinated with these elements create a cohesive aesthetic.

The studio was also newly furnished: A space-defining installation featuring a podium, cabinet elements, and pegboard functionally extends the existing layout. Along with the foyer, the museum café stands as one of the museum's most important public gathering places: it has been completely reconceived and now offers more space for the numerous visitors, with new tables and seating. Additionally, a dedicated area for larger groups was created in what is known as the Rotunda. The close connection between the permanent exhibition redesign and the modernization of public spaces became evident quickly: just three weeks after reopening, more than 40,000 visitors had experienced the redesigned House of History.

www.frankearchitektur.de

Photography:
Jürgen Ritterbach
www.foto-ritterbach.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne 02|26)