Madrid, Spain
Designed by Nieto Sobejanos, the new Montblanc Haus is a museum and a brand experience center that celebrates the famous pen company—Montblanc—and its rich history and heritage, and the art of writing.
The building is a 100-meter-long structure that evokes the historical shape of a writing instrument case that conceals within a complex sequence of spaces over three levels around a unique illuminated foyer.
The building, with a usable area of 3,600 sqm, houses a permanent exhibition that invites visitors to learn about and experience writing through the history of the precise writing instruments that are part of the Montblanc archive.
The façade is sculptured capturing the mountain range of the Alps and Mont Blanc from which the company has taken its name.
As practice founders, Enrique Sobejano and Fuensanta Nieto explain “provides a surface for dynamic projections. Behaving like a case, the simple exterior volume conceals a sophisticated sequence of spaces over three levels interconnected by a triple-height domed hall.”
Regarding the interior spaces, the architects chose to contrast the darkly impermeable outer shell with varying shades of white to create what they call “fascinating spatial impressions.”
Τhe venue’s fluid multifunctionality is achieved with eloquent ease – it is at once a brand experience, meeting place, archive, and academy, with creative ateliers, lounges and exhibition spaces, a café, and a boutique.
The main exhibition of the Montblanc Haus is an exhibition of over 400 Montblanc writing instruments, from historical fountain pens to the very latest novelties, art editions, collaborations, and rare collectibles.
The 115-year-old company is celebrating more than its heritage and products with the space—which is dedicated to all aspects of writing.
At the Writing Atelier, visitors can take classes in calligraphy and creative writing, and the brand is also offering free classes to disadvantaged young people in the area.
“This experience is not only dedicated to all the incredible stories that have been written over time, including our very own,” says Montblanc’s Executive VP of Marketing, Vincent Montalescot, “but to all the great stories that are yet to be written, as we invite our visitors to be inspired to leave their mark.”
Project: Montblanc Haus
Architects: Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos
Client: Montblanc International GmbH
Photographers: Montblanc International GmbH
