Gerhard Richter's Hexagonal Pavilion Set to Transform MIA Park in Doha

Renowned German artist Gerhard Richter is set to unveil a striking new pavilion in Doha, translating his iconic Strip paintings into a three-dimensional gallery experience. Slated to open on November 20, 2026, the hexagonal pavilion will serve as a permanent installation in MIA Park, adjacent to the Museum of Islamic Art.

Bringing Art to Life

The pavilion’s design, a collaboration with Selldorf Architects, features six exterior walls adorned with intricate patterns drawn from Richter's 2011 artist’s book, Patterns. The exterior's visual complexity stems from a digital process where an image from Richter's 1990 Abstract Painting (724-4) was methodically divided into 8,192 vertical strips. These strips were then mirrored, creating a captivating symmetrical pattern that envelops the building.

A Multifaceted Interior

Inside the pavilion, visitors will encounter three large-scale Strip paintings, each composed of horizontal bands that are just 0.08 millimeters wide, echoing the meticulous fragmentation of the original image. The centerpiece, Strip Tower, is a freestanding sculpture that offers a dynamic interplay between the artwork and the viewer. Two floor-to-ceiling mirrors amplify this experience, distorting perceptions and extending the visual reach of the space, making it feel larger than its physical dimensions.

Inspired by a Cultural Journey

Richter’s journey to create the pavilion began with a visit to Doha in 2013, where the city's architecture sparked ideas that would converge in this innovative structure. 'Doha is the right place and the only place for my Pavilion,' he stated, highlighting the connection between his work and the geometric patterns prevalent in Islamic art. The pavilion will also feature a stone sculpture titled Brunnen (Well), which will extend the artistic narrative into MIA Park.

The inauguration of the pavilion coincides with the first Rubaiya Qatar, an international visual arts quadrennial that will run until April 30, 2027, showcasing over 50 artists from around the globe. As Richter’s digital explorations find a permanent home, this pavilion represents a significant fusion of art and architecture, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a unique visual experience.

Source: www.designboom.com