Architecture firm Studio Libeskind has unveiled plans for a striking new museum in Kenya: Ngaren. The museum's design resembles the hand axe tools made by early humans. The museum will showcase the history of humankind and include the technology and science behind climate change and evolution.
Although no images of the interior are available yet, the exterior of the museum seems to fit very well into the Kenyan landscape. The museum will be situated on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Rift Valley in northern Kenya. This is where the most complete skeleton of early humanity was once found: the Turkana Boy. The project is being commissioned by conservationist, politician and palaeo-anthropologist Dr Richard Leakey, to whom, among other things, the discovery of the Turkana Boy is attributed. The museum will be named Ngaren: Museum of Humanity.
The architect expects the museum to be a place for discovery, wonder and contemplation. Through its architecture and exhibitions, Ngaren will capture all layers of life in Africa and be the epicentre of human existence. The architect envisages a series of dramatic spaces in the museum that are architecturally dynamic and provocative. In doing so, he aims to create a unique context for the museum's exhibitions where artefacts are not put to rest, but are enhanced and enlivened.
A crowdfunding campaign is currently underway for the project. Of the targeted $7 million, over $4 million has now been raised. To be continued, no doubt.
