Deep beneath our feet lies a world where art transcends time. The Feuerle Collection awaits. It is housed within a former telecommunications bunker from World War II. This bunker now holds a unique collection of art.
The Feuerle Collection is the vision of art historian Désiré Feuerle. He acquired this massive 6,500 square meter site in 2011. Feuerle commissioned British architect John Pawson to transform the space. Pawson created a sophisticated museum. It would permanently house Feuerle’s private art collection.
The original bunker was built in 1942. It protected the government’s telecommunication system. Its concrete roof and walls were impenetrable. Pawson preserved the bunker’s original facade. He kept intervention to a minimum. Pawson focused on the subtle calibration of key thresholds. He refined the spatial narrative through the galleries. He also focused on the quality of light. Pawson aimed for quietly charged sensory encounters.
The Feuerle Collection opened to the public on October 15, 2016. It aims to create a dialogue between different cultures and eras. The collection includes 7th to 13th-century Southeast Asian sculptures. It also features Chinese Imperial furniture dating back to 200 B.C. You will also see contemporary works by international artists.
One such encounter begins with the sounds of John Cage’s minimalist music. This music complements the art collection. The museum spans over 6,000 square meters. It presents international contemporary art. Southeast Asian art and Chinese design also feature.
Inside The Feuerle Collection, you’ll find a lake room. This room features a natural lake. It serves as a natural heating source for the entire museum. There is also an incense room. This is dedicated to incense rituals.
Another room is the sound room. Visitors pause here before their visit. They listen to John Cage’s “Music for Piano No. 20” for two and a half minutes. This prepares their eyes for the collection’s darkness. It also purifies the senses.
The Feuerle Collection presents Chinese incense culture. It is the only place in the world where the incense ceremony is an artistic performance. This ceremony connects with the museum’s overall presentation. The incense room is lined with one-way mirrors. People outside cannot see in. But those inside can see the art outside. This follows the principle of juxtaposition.
Désiré Feuerle wanted to share a contemporary version of this ancient ceremony. The table in the room was designed by Pawson. He worked with incense experts and Chinese carpentry masters. Special kimonos and shoes were designed for the ceremony. The table holds tools. These are used to perform the ceremony.
Pure gold tongs and mica plates hold the wood to be burned. Gold ensures the incense’s scent remains pure. Parrot feathers diffuse the incense’s fragrance. These are called Fen-fu-liu. This means “breeze that touches the willow.” Another name is Jin Feng Yin. This means “he who provokes the golden wind.”
The Feuerle Collection is more than just a museum. It is an experience. It engages the senses. It provokes thought. It bridges cultures and eras. It invites you to slow down and truly see.