This concept of “play” is central, resonating with Nordic traditions that see play not as mere recreation but as a tool for social connection and learning. From the post-war “Junk Playgrounds” to today’s emphasis on controlled-risk environments, the play has always encouraged people to test boundaries, interact openly, and push creative limits.

The museum’s design embodies this idea creating a campus of endless possibilities. A grand courtyard, open and inviting, serves as the heart of the campus, where people can gather and explore without needing to enter the exhibition areas themselves. This communal courtyard, together with the external areas ringed by diverse functions, evokes the playful dynamics of a circus ring, encouraging interactions, performance, and spontaneity. 

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Through this bold and playful design, the New Museum invites everyone into a world of creativity that is as inclusive as it is inspiring, making each visit a chance to “play” with architecture, test ideas, and engage with design in surprising new ways