What does it take to design a museum that preserves the past while looking towards the future?
This was one of the questions behind MuTRA’s presentation at EXPO REAL 2026 in Munich, where Anca Brandiburg, representing THE UNIT, introduced the architectural vision behind the future home of the National Museum of Transylvanian History.
With the support of Transylvania Evolution, MuTRA was presented to an international audience at EXPO REAL, held from 5 to 7 October at Messe München.
A Transylvanian project on an international stage
For THE UNIT, participating in EXPO REAL was an opportunity to share a project that goes beyond the design of a building.
Anca Brandiburg presented MuTRA’s architectural concept, highlighting how contemporary architecture can bring together cultural heritage, research and public life.
Rooted in Transylvania’s identity, the project also addresses wider questions about the future of cultural spaces and their role in our communities.
MuTRA: More than exhibition spaces
Museums are places where we encounter history. But behind every exhibition lies an entire world of research, conservation and preservation.
MuTRA brings all these functions together.
Designed by THE UNIT for the National Museum of Transylvanian History, the project integrates exhibition galleries, public spaces, collection storage, conservation and restoration laboratories, and research facilities within a single architectural concept.
A semi-submerged technical and functional base accommodates the infrastructure supporting the museum’s public and exhibition spaces.
According to the National Museum of Transylvanian History and the project team, MuTRA is the only purpose-designed museum facility in Romania conceived from the outset to integrate all the functions of a contemporary museum within a single infrastructure.
It is a museum designed not only to display history, but also to protect, study and share it with future generations.
The people behind the opportunity
We warmly thank Transylvania Evolution, particularly Ciprian Comșulea and Rareș Drăgan, for the invitation and support that made MuTRA’s presentation at EXPO REAL Munich possible.
Our appreciation also goes to the National Museum of Transylvanian History and our project partners for the trust and collaboration behind MuTRA.
For THE UNIT, bringing MuTRA to Munich was another opportunity to share the architectural vision behind a project deeply connected to Transylvania’s cultural heritage.
Rooted in Transylvania. Designed for the future. Part of an international conversation.
