Visitors to Audemars Piguet’s existing museum building in Le Brassus, which dates back to 1868, might have felt that the institution's ever-expanding collection could benefit from being showcased in a lighter, more spacious setting. That’s set to become a reality in 2019, as work on the existing building’s modern annexe, designed by celebrated Dutch architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and integrated into the La Brassus landscape, has begun in earnest. Upon completion in Spring 2019 (depending on the Canton of Vaud’s highly unpredictable weather), the additional space will host themed exhibitions, art displays and watchmaking workshops. Nearby, the AP-owned Hotel des Horlogers will be rebuilt from a corresponding design by BIG, which in recent times has also worked on Two World Trade Center in New York City, Google’s sci-fi campus in Mountain View, and Lego House in Denmark.

Photos: Audemars Piguet