Explore the MMM Corones: A Unique Museum Experience
A Reflection of Nature and Architecture
Sitting at the top of Mount Kronplatz, one of the most popular ski resorts in the Italian Alps, the MMM Corones is no ordinary museum. Designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, it embodies the vision of renowned mountaineer Reinhold Messner, offering stunning views of the surrounding Dolomites and dedicated to traditional alpinism.
The Unique Design of MMM Corones
The museum is built 2,275 meters (7,460 feet) above sea level and is partially submerged by the mountaintop. “This project is about what happens when men and mountains meet,” said Reinhold Messner.
Contributions to Mountain Culture
This is the sixth and last museum that Messner has opened in South Tyrol. It explores themes of rock, ice, holy mountains, and the relationship between mountains and people, with previous museums preceded by the acronym “MMM”, which stands for “Messner Mountain Museum.”
Energy Efficiency in Design
Built on several levels, the construction has a small footprint of about 1,000 square meters. Its design allows for a constant temperature in both summer and winter, making it remarkably energy-efficient.
Insights from Design Collaboration
Messner used a simple sketch to convey his vision to Zaha Hadid: “She knew there was a necessity to build a museum under the earth, designed like a waterfall in the mountain, resulting in an extraordinary project.”
Visitor Experience at MMM Corones
At the lowest floor, visitors navigate through glass-enclosed viewing windows to reach a terrace with a stunning 240-degree panorama stretching from the Zillertal Alps to the Dolomites.
Construction Challenges and Innovations
Approximately 4,000 cubic meters (140,000 cubic feet) of earth were removed from Mount Kronplatz to facilitate the construction of this unique museum.
Conclusion: A Story of Mountains and Men
“In my museum, I’m a storyteller,” said Messner. “It’s not an art museum nor a museum of natural sciences. We are telling stories about mountains and men.”
