Huge new £375m expansion of world-famous UK gallery announced | UK | News
The National Gallery announced its “largest transformation”, including a new wing, which has been expected to be opened in the early 2030s since its formation 200 years ago. In 2024, the London institution, which welcomed more than 3.2 million visitors from around the world, attracted 375 million pounds of cash pledge, including two largest cash donations to a museum or gallery. An international architectural competition for a brand new wing was hosted “expanded, young architectural firms” and a “expanded collection” that is expected to attract rooted ones.
Authorities added that the movement added the beginning of “exciting new cooperation” with Tate and other museums around the world and other museums around the world. The postmodernist building of the gallery in Trafalgar Square, designed by William Wilkins, was opened in 1838 in the old region of King Mews. The new wing will be built on the site of the last part of the current campus of the National Gallery St Vincent House. The property was purchased to expand the gallery area about 30 years ago and is currently home to a hotel and office complex.
The project Domani also says, “It will create a live, new experience for visitors,” the area between Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.
The new wing “benefits from dramatic progress in building techniques and sustainability in the last decades” and “will enrich the country’s artistic existence on a global scale, which is both local and internationally important”.
National Gallery Director Sir Gabriele said the final: “When the Bicentenary celebrations are now completed, the national gallery looks at the future.
“We want to be the place where visitors from the people and around the world can enjoy the world’s best collection of the world in a perfect architectural environment.”
“We are very excited about these developments, and as we step into the third century, we are very grateful to our donors for their support for unprecedented scale.
He continued: “We are looking forward to making a continuous cooperation with Tate in this important new initiative.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “This turning point investment is a great news for national gallery and general arts.
“It increases the economy, opens doors for educational experiences for young people, and a great art for future generations will make it accessible.
“As mentioned in our civil society contract, this government values the role of philanthropists and institutions such as the National Gallery to create a better and more fair future for everyone.”
