Kengo Kuma and Associates have been for the wing.
The National Gallery has announced that Kengo Kuma and Associates, working in collaboration with BDP and MICA, have won the competition to design its new wing. The scheme is a centrepiece of the museum’s £750 million Project Domani, and here’s what to expect.
Following 65 submissions, six architectural teams were shortlisted to develop the vision. The jury described Kengo Kuma and Associates’ proposal as “exemplary”, awarding it the highest possible score. The design was praised as both innovative and beautiful, meeting the ambition of the gallery while remaining sensitive to its historic surroundings.
Project Domani promises something extraordinary. The result will be an institution where visitors can wander through the entire story of painting in the Western tradition, all under one roof. The team use Portland stone to create a building that feels entirely at ease within its setting while drawing in natural light. The new building will rise on the site of St Vincent House. Alongside the new wing, the National Gallery will establish an acquisitions fund for modern paintings.
National Gallery Chair of Trustees and Jury Chair, John Booth, said: “All six were impressive and thoughtful, but in the end Kengo Kuma’s proposal was our unanimous choice. A beautiful design inside and out, sensitive to our existing Grade 1 exteriors and distinctive gallery spaces, the new building will also help to unite two of London’s most important outdoor spaces – Leicester and Trafalgar Squares – by creating enticing new public realm between them.”
National Gallery Director, Sir Gabriele Finaldi, added: “Kengo Kuma’s trajectory as an architect demonstrates exceptional design elegance, a keen sensitivity to location and to history, and a supremely beautiful handling of light and of materials. The new building will complete the National Gallery’s campus, adding distinction to some already distinguished buildings. We are thrilled to be working with Kengo Kuma and his design partners.”
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Where: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
Price: Entrance is free of charge
Contact: www.nationalgallery.org.uk