In celebration of Foster + Partners’ forthcoming project to remodel and extend the "Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus", the museum is hosting an exhibition to preview the design for the Städtische Galerie and to explore a number of related works, which address the theme of working with history. This strand of the practice’s work is rooted in a belief that a passion for structures from the past can coexist with a pleasure and anticipation for the architecture of the future.

The design scheme for the museum reveals a dignified and sensitive addition to Franz von Lenbach's historic villa. A new entranceway and an opening towards the Propylees and adjacent Königsplatz strengthen the museum's relationship to the city, while the new Atrium space and a new visitor guidance system will provide the best possible environment to showcase the museum’s internationally celebrated collection.

The exhibition further explores a number of related works, which demonstrate how new architecture can be the catalyst for the revitalisation of old buildings, including the New German Parliament at the Reichstag in Berlin; the Carre d’Art, Nimes; the Sackler Galleries at the Royal Academy of Arts, London; The Great Court at the British Museum, London; and the recently completed Smithsonian Institution Courtyard, Washington DC.

Current work on show includes projects in Russia - the New Holland Island Cultural quarter in St Petersburg and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts Extension In Moscow – and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in the USA.

As Norman Foster has written: ‘The history of our cities is the history of change – each age produces its own vocabulary and makes it own mark. Similarly, in buildings that have evolved over time the original layers of history can often be understood more readily when seen alongside the new. Sometimes we have to explore the past to find inspiration for the future.’