Concept Overview
The Museum revives a long-neglected landmark, breathing new life into a site rich with history. Through careful preservation of the original stone architecture and the integration of sensitively designed new additions, the project transforms a historical building into a vibrant cultural destination. While the museum’s full thematic narrative remains unrevealed until its anticipated completion, the design and construction—undertaken entirely by GK Architects—are already 75% complete.
Landscapes
Project Details
Project Title: The Museum
Client: KRG / Kurdistan Regional Government
Project Type: Adaptive Reuse / Museum
Location: Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Company: GK Architects
This adaptive reuse project embodies sustainable principles by reactivating an existing building, thereby extending the life cycle of its historic stone materials and reducing environmental impact. More than a physical restoration, it acknowledges and preserves the deep emotional connection many residents hold toward the station—a place once central to the city’s rhythm. Respect for heritage and authenticity remains at the core of every design decision, ensuring the building’s historic spirit is carried forward into its next chapter.
Blending the station’s heritage architecture with new extensions and a newly designed landscape, the project creates a seamless connection between past and present. Visitors are invited to experience both indoor and outdoor exhibitions, moving through spaces that weave together storytelling, history, and emotion. Conceived as a journey, the museum’s spatial narrative guides guests through moments of reflection, discovery, and connection to an as-yet-unrevealed theme, rooted in Erbil’s layered past
Design Themes
- Heritage Preservation: Restoration of the original building honors Erbil’s history and architectural identity.
- Contemporary Integration: New structures and landscape elements complement the historic fabric, ensuring functionality without overshadowing heritage.
- Experiential Storytelling: A carefully choreographed spatial sequence immerses visitors in narratives that evoke memory, cultural pride, and curiosity.