David Chipperfield Architects unveils Muzej Lah, a contemporary art museum for the Fundacija Lah collection in Bled, Slovenia, that is set to open in Summer 2026.

Muzej Lah render (image: David Chipperfield Architects).

Located at the foot of the Julian Alps in the historic town of Bled, Muzej Lah is a 5,000-square-metre museum designed by David Chipperfield Architects to house the Fundacija Lah art collection. Founded by Slovenian philanthropists Igor and Mojca Lah, the museum will present the collection to the public for the first time when it opens in summer 2026. Comprising over 800 works by more than 100 international and Slovenian artists, the collection spans from the post-1945 period to the present day, including pieces by Anselm Kiefer, Joseph Beuys, Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, Zoran Mušič, and Anne Imhof.

Situated beneath Bled Castle and close to Lake Bled, the building occupies a clearing in a wooded hillside, with a sculpture garden extending into the landscape. The architecture is shaped by its topography, integrating the museum into the terrain while preserving the surrounding trees. A distinctive roof profile echoes the contours of the hills and defines the form of the building, introducing north light into the galleries.

Aerial render of Muzej Lah against the backdrop of Lake Bled and Bled Castle (image: David Chipperfield Architects).

The building is arranged as a series of staggered volumes, responding to the landscape and guiding visitor circulation through a sequence of internal and external spaces. Each external area has a unique character, strengthening the building’s connection to its setting and creating opportunities for outdoor display.

Internally, the museum is designed for versatility. Alongside permanent and temporary exhibition galleries, Muzej Lah will include a library, research centre, auditorium, and multi-use spaces for performance, education, and community use. A restaurant and retail area contribute to its role as a year-round public venue for local residents and international visitors alike.

View Muzej Lah with Richard Deacon, Another Mountain, 2007 (photo: Jošt Gantar/Muzej Lah).

“The location of the museum in the beautiful landscape near Bled Castle inspired our design approach,” said Sir David Chipperfield, Principal of David Chipperfield Architects. “The various volumes of the building are unified by a series of sloping tiled roofs that tie the museum into its hillside setting. The building is defined by a series of rooms, courtyards and terraces that both create an ideal setting for the collection and give the visitor a strong sense of the surrounding landscape. We look forward to the museum becoming an important cultural amenity for the region and yet another reason for people to visit this beautiful town.”