National Museum Zurich

In 2016 the National Museum Zurich witnessed the ceremonial opening of its impressive new building – a modern extension to the familiar old building. Together, they now form a fascinating ensemble of past and future. To counter the growing lack of space, the National Museum underwent a comprehensive renovation and a considerable expansion by means of the extension. 

Renovation and expansion in harmony.

The extension, erected within the last few years, was realised at the same time as the careful renovation of existing parts of the building – all without interrupting the museum’s day-to-day activities. It houses versatile exhibition halls, a study centre, a library, an auditorium for public events and a high-end restaurant. The connection between the existing and new structures creates an inner courtyard that opens out from the new building to the park via a bridge.  

During the construction phase, our installation work was carried out without disrupting the museum’s activities and with complete protection for the exhibits. Temporary exhibitions required regular adjustments to the monitoring area. With an overall project manager on our part as a central point of contact, we were able to ensure that everything went smoothly. 

Proven security technology in the service of art.

We have long been protecting the museum’s valuable exhibits with advanced intrusion alarm systems. With this new building, the museum now relies on our latest intrusion alarm system: SecuriSafe. This will gradually replace the old system, including in the remaining renovation phases of the old building. Laser monitoring both indoors and outdoors as well as radio-connected display cases for temporary exhibitions ensure maximum protection. The SecuriSafe system incorporates various detectors, including picture sensors, light barriers and magnetic contacts. A total of 1600 contacts were activated when the renovation was completed. 
 

Our SecuriLink UMS security management system provides for the simplified display and operation of the components. The museum’s security staff operate the management system from the security desk, which acts as a terminal for processing video camera images and SecuriSafe’s alarm signals. The SecuriLink UMS even integrates third-party access and fire alarm systems. The acoustic evacuation system supplied by our sister company g+m elektronik AG facilitates the orderly evacuation of visitors and staff in an emergency. Speakers were installed throughout the museum for this purpose. These can also be used for other announcements.