The British Museum has announced the shortlist of five architect-led teams competing in a prestigious international competition to transform its Western Range Galleries. This renovation project represents one of the most significant updates to the museum’s gallery space, covering over 7,500 square meters and spanning collections from Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
The Western Range forms a vital part of the British Museum’s display and operational space. Comprising nearly a third of the museum's entire gallery space, the area includes not only the exhibition galleries but also important back-of-house facilities. In total, the Western Range covers 15,650 square meters, with some of the original buildings dating back to the 1850s. These older sections were designed by the famed architect Robert Smirke, while later additions include Gallery 10 and 22.
The ambitious project aims to enhance the museum’s ability to display and preserve its vast and historic collections, while also modernising facilities and improving sustainability efforts. This renovation is part of the British Museum’s broader commitment to decarbonisation and maintaining the integrity of its historic architecture.
The renovation of the Western Range Galleries will require not only a rethinking of the space's architecture but also careful consideration of the museum’s decarbonisation goals and the preservation of its heritage buildings. The chosen team will need to delicately balance historical conservation with modern functionality, ensuring that the space can effectively house the museum’s world-renowned collections and meet the needs of future visitors and staff.
Stage two of the competition will run until December 2024, when the shortlisted teams will present their proposals. These designs will be displayed in the British Museum’s iconic Round Reading Room for public viewing. The final decision will be made by a panel chaired by George Osborne, the chair of the British Museum trustees, along with other prominent industry professionals like Yvonne Farrell, Meneesha Kellay, Mahrukh Tarapor, and Sarah Younger.
The winner of the competition will be announced in early 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the British Museum’s Western Range.
The renovation of the Western Range Galleries is set to be one of the most significant architectural projects in the British Museum’s history. With the involvement of world-class architectural teams and a focus on sustainability, the project promises to preserve the museum’s historic buildings while enhancing its capacity to display ancient collections for future generations.
The competition’s outcome will shape not only the museum’s physical structure but also its role as a modern cultural institution committed to innovation and heritage conservation. The public eagerly awaits the announcement of the winning team in 2025.
