Danish architecture studio Cobe has revealed comprehensive plans for Museum Wegner, a new cultural institution dedicated to celebrating the work of Hans J Wegner, one of Denmark's most influential furniture designers. The proposed museum will be located on marshland just outside the southwestern town of Tønder, where Wegner spent his childhood and received his training as a carpenter.
The ambitious 5,000-square-meter project will uniquely combine contemporary wooden architecture with historic preservation, incorporating two dilapidated farm buildings that date back to 1445. According to Cobe, the museum addresses a significant gap in Denmark's cultural landscape, as the country currently has only two museums dedicated to Danish design. The studio was selected for this prestigious project in 2024 and is now working on detailed design plans while the client secures necessary funding.
"The ambition with Museum Wegner is to pay tribute to an absolute legend in Danish design, Hans J Wegner, and to create a framework for his enormous legacy that can become an international destination for people with interest in Danish design," explained Dan Stubbergaard, founder of Cobe, in a statement to Dezeen Magazine.
The museum is planned for the historic farm called Hestholm, a location that holds special significance as it was part of the landscape where Wegner grew up and that "left a lasting impression" on him throughout his career. Stubbergaard emphasized that this deep connection to the local environment plays a crucial role in both the museum's concept and its architectural design. "The museum serves as a bridge between Wegner's sculptural design universe and the local heritage, using its layered history as a stage for experiencing his furniture in varied settings," he noted.
Cobe's architectural approach respects both the historic structures and the natural environment. The firm plans to carefully restore the facades and roofs of the existing 16th-century farm buildings to their original appearance while adding new contemporary elements constructed entirely from wood. These new structures will feature long, gabled forms that pay homage to traditional buildings in the region and will be elevated on slender screw foundations designed to minimize ground contact and environmental impact.
The design philosophy directly reflects Wegner's own approach to furniture making. "In line with Wegner's approach to the construction of his chairs, the museum's tectonics and material composition are guided by the idea of creating an honest architecture in wood – Wegner's favored material – where joints and structures are exposed, and the architectural expression is reduced to its essence," Stubbergaard explained. He added that the design follows Wegner's principle that "everything must serve a purpose" and "nothing should be there merely for decoration."
The museum's interior will feature extensive showcases of Wegner's work, with particular emphasis on his most famous creation, the iconic steam-bent Wishbone Chair. Beyond furniture displays, the museum will include exhibits detailing the site's rich history and dedicated spaces for furniture-making workshops. Additional facilities will encompass a research library, event spaces for lectures and cultural programs, and administrative areas to support the museum's operations.
Cobe, the Copenhagen-based architecture studio founded by Stubbergaard in 2006, brings significant experience to this cultural project. The firm's recent notable works include The Opera Park in Copenhagen's inner harbor and a transformative proposal to convert an abandoned steelworks in Tallinn, Estonia, into vibrant public space. The Museum Wegner project represents another opportunity for the studio to blend contemporary design with historic preservation while celebrating Denmark's rich design heritage.
