MARTa Herford, Design museum in Herford, Germany.
MARTa Herford is a design museum in Herford, Germany, that stands out with red brick walls, stainless steel cladding and white plastered surfaces. The spaces spread over several levels, with slanted walls and asymmetric shapes defining the character of the exhibition halls.
The building was erected in the early 21st century on the site of a former textile factory from the 1950s. The opening took place in May 2005, bringing the city a new cultural facility that connects with the industrial past as a production center for furniture.
The name combines the initials of furniture, architecture and art, referring to the city's long tradition in furniture manufacturing. Visitors see rotating displays that link everyday objects with artistic works and show how both fields influence each other in daily life.
The museum lies near the River Aa and offers exhibition rooms, a cafe with outdoor seating, a shop and several workshop spaces for educational programs. Visitors usually find orientation inside straightforward due to the open room structure, but should allow some time to explore the different levels.
The facade integrates parts of the former textile factory from 1959, whose structure was preserved and now houses office and administrative spaces. This connection between old industrial architecture and new design becomes especially visible at the transitions between the building sections.
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