The monastic church of the Augustinian Order has not fulfilled its original function for two centuries: in 1823, the city theater was located there, and since 1923 a museum has been set up. Known as the Augustinian Museum, it is one of the largest in the Upper Rhine, with one of the richest collections of art and culture in the region from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. A special place in the collection is occupied by objects of church art, including sculptures of prophets from the Freiburg Münster - the cathedral.
The current renovation of the Augustinian Museum by Christoph Mackler's architectural firm has simultaneously restored the interior of the church and adapted it to an exhibition hall. Mackler considered it his task to restore the "historical impression" of the central nave space, which was lost as a result of rebuilding in the last two centuries. It was here that the architect placed the famous sculptures of Münster.
During the reconstruction, an additional exhibition space of the open second floor was formed by strengthening the wooden structures of the church, the entrance area was expanded, lifts and a spacious staircase were installed in the museum. Perhaps one of the most remarkable exhibits of the museum is the historical organ, which has been restored to its original appearance by the restorers.
At the second and third stages of work (they will last until 2017), it is planned to reconstruct neighboring buildings, including medieval cells, as well as build a new building.
Sofya Kondrashina
