Fourth annex 2007–2011
The fourth annex is opened on 9 May 2011. This was preceded by a two-phase pan-European architectural competition in 2002, and the striking new building follows the winning design by Stuttgart-based architect Gabriele Glöckler, who applied the concept “Cover. Shell. Content.” It extends from the main building to the entrance to Deutscher Platz, sweeping around the Book Tower and thus bringing all sections of the building together for the first time to create an ensemble with a façade which is now 240 metres in length. Encompassing six floors above ground and three below, the annex contains stacks, a reading room and exhibition areas for the German Museum of Books and Writing. A new reading room for the German Music Archive located in an inner courtyard of the historic building and also designed by Gabriele Glöckler is inaugurated at the same time.