Magnus Bunner’s passion for the conservation of cultural buildings has led him to high-profile projects such as the iconic Feskekôrka in Gothenburg, the Naturum Kosterhavet visitor centre, and the Regional Archives in Lorensberg, among many others. His appointment as an official architect marks his first such role, placing him among approximately 70 distinguished architects currently entrusted with the prestigious task of serving as official and castle architects for the National Property Board of Sweden (SFV).
White Arkitekter’s Magnus Bunner appointed as the official architect for the Museum of World Culture
Magnus Bunner has been appointed as the new official architect for the Museum of World Culture in Gothenburg. In this role, he joins an esteemed group of architects entrusted by the National Property Board of Sweden to oversee some of the nation’s most significant cultural heritage sites – including castles, historic buildings, parks, and national museums. As lead consultant and qualified advisor, he will direct and coordinate a specialist team dedicated to preserving both the architectural and functional values of one of Sweden’s most important museums.
It is a great honour to care for a true gem here in my hometown of Gothenburg. For me, it is important to support the National Property Board of Sweden in managing the building and its distinctive character while also enabling its development – to preserve and evolve this cultural heritage in step with the surrounding district, which is currently undergoing rapid transformation.
Magnus Bunner
SFV’s approach to property management is nothing short of long-term, with the tradition of castle and official architects dating back as far as the 17th century. The role spans up to nine years, fostering a lasting collaboration between the architect and SFV. In a construction industry characterised by increasingly specialised expertise, SFV identified the need for greater continuity in the early 2000s – a more coordinating advisory role, capable of safeguarding and preserving the cultural environment’s long-term values. To address this, SFV decided to procure official architects as lead consultants, ensuring that all expertise is utilised effectively and towards a shared goal. This new working model has since proven to be a great success.
Through SFV and the long-term work the architect’s role as a strategic overseer and long-term coordinator is reinforced. This is highly beneficial for Sweden’s cultural and historical institutions while also strengthening our profession as a whole.
Magnus Bunner, Architect at White Arkitekter
The Museum of World Culture, designed by architects Edgar Gonzalez and Cécile Brisac, is a multi-award-winning architectural gem. At its heart is a four-storey atrium where visitors ascend through the building in a carefully orchestrated journey, moving between intimate spaces, expansive views, and places for interaction—all while maintaining a constant connection to the verdant rock face to the east of the structure. The broad tiered staircase at the centre serves both as seating for audiences and as a social gathering space, becoming a defining interior feature of the museum.
The area surrounding the museum is also in a state of continuous transformation, with several large-scale urban development projects underway, including the West Link rail project and its new station as the closest neighbour. Given these extensive construction works, the role of official architect demands not only a deep understanding of the specific requirements of museums—such as climate control, security, and the landlord-tenant relationship—but also strong local knowledge.
Since 2013, the Museum of World Culture has been guided by a conservation plan, developed by building conservation specialist Anna Reuter Metelius. The previous official architect for the museum was Ulla Antonsson, a long-time colleague of Magnus Bunner at White Arkitekter.
To ensure the preservation of cultural heritage in the long term, continuity is essential. The role for SFV is a combination of technical expertise, cultural history, and balancing various interests to find the best solutions—an undertaking I approach with confidence and pride.
Magnus Bunner
Working with Sweden’s cultural heritage requires a keen eye. The cultural environment is a multifaceted concept that links tradition, the present, and the future, where historical traces serve as a driving force to create added value.
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