Berlin museum entrance plans unveiled

EarthTimes.org

British architect David Chipperfield unveiled Wednesday his controversial design for a grand modern entrance to the treasure houses on Berlin's Island of Museums.

From 2012, his James Simon Gallery will be the main gateway to the Pergamon Museum and an underground mall leading to three of the other four museums on the inner-city site between two arms of the Spree river. Last year 2 million visitors came to see Greek and Babylonian monuments indoors, the bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, European Old Masters and other treasures on the island. More come every year.

German conservationists had slammed the Chipperfield design, calling it an affront to the classical-style buildings.