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Find out moreThe National Gallery鈥檚 New Main Entrance Reopens as Part of Bicentenary Celebrations
As part of its 200th birthday celebrations, the National Gallery has reopened its newly renovated main entrance to the public.
The Sainsbury Wing closed in February 2023 to undergo a series of sensitive interventions to its external fa莽ade, foyer, and mezzanine. Designed by New York-based Selldorf Architects in collaboration with heritage architects Purcell, the works aimed to create a more welcoming and accessible first impression for the Gallery鈥檚 millions of annual visitors.
G&T provided Cost and Project Management services for the redevelopment, which has given over part of the Gallery鈥檚 footprint to the public realm. A new 鈥渟quare within a square鈥� layout offers a smoother entrance experience, protecting visitors from the elements. The previously dark glass enclosing the staircase to the gallery spaces has been replaced with clear glazing, allowing natural light to fill the foyer and offering subtle views of the original 1830s building by William Wilkins. For the first time, people in Trafalgar Square can see directly into the Gallery.
The entrance now opens into a double-height foyer, while the mezzanine level houses a restaurant, a new bookshop, and flexible spaces for meetings and events.
Also reopening is the newly renamed Pigott Theatre on the lower ground floor. The theatre has been refurbished with a fresh colour scheme and upgraded for greater comfort and accessibility, including level access to the stage. Wherever possible, materials have been reused, recycled, or repurposed in other buildings.
The NG200 Welcome project has been made possible thanks to support from many generous donations, from both major benefactors and members of the public. In particular, The Linbury Trst and The Headley Trust which, together with The Monument Trust, funded the original establishment of the Sainsbury Wing 35 years ago, have been instrumental in helping the Gallery to realise the evolution of the building for its changing visitor needs.
Sir Timothy Sainsbury said: 鈥�The remodelled ground floor and mezzanine floor now provide a much larger and more welcoming entrance for the millions of visitors expected every year; a fitting introduction to the magnificent gallery spaces which remain unchanged. The Headley Trust and The Linbury Trust welcome the redesign and are pleased to continue to support the Sainsbury Wing towards its next 35 years and beyond.鈥�
All images: 漏 Edmund Sumner