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Hans Hollein on Designing Frankfurt's Museum für Moderne Kunst

architecture-design · 2026-04-23

In a 1991 interview with Chantal Béret for artpress, architect Hans Hollein discusses his design for the Museum für Moderne Kunst (MMK) in Frankfurt, Germany. The museum, a landmark of postmodern architecture, opened in 1991. Hollein's design is characterized by its triangular shape, nicknamed the "piece of cake," which responds to the irregular urban site. The interview covers Hollein's architectural philosophy, the integration of the building with its surroundings, and the challenges of creating a space for contemporary art. Hollein emphasizes the museum's role as both a functional exhibition space and a sculptural statement within the cityscape.

Key facts

  • Interview conducted by Chantal Béret with Hans Hollein.
  • Published in artpress in May 1991.
  • Focuses on the Museum für Moderne Kunst (MMK) in Frankfurt.
  • MMK opened in 1991.
  • Hollein's design is triangular, known as the 'piece of cake'.
  • Building is a key example of postmodern architecture.
  • Hollein discusses integrating the museum with its urban context.
  • The museum serves both functional and sculptural purposes.

Entities

Artists

  • Hans Hollein
  • Chantal Béret

Institutions

  • Museum für Moderne Kunst (MMK)
  • artpress

Locations

  • Frankfurt
  • Germany

Sources