The Wallace Collection in London has appointed Selldorf Architects, led by Annabelle Selldorf, to lead a masterplan for Hertford House, its historic home. Selldorf, who recently oversaw renovations at the Frick Collection and the National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing, will collaborate with UK practices Purcell and Lawson Ward Studio. The project aims to improve access, sustainability, and visitor experience at the museum, which opened to the public in 1900 and houses over 5,500 works including masterpieces by Velázquez, Hals, and Rubens.
The appointment marks a significant investment in the long-term future of the Wallace Collection, a national museum and non-departmental public body of the UK's Department for Culture, Media and Sport. By engaging a high-profile architect known for sensitive heritage work, the museum signals its commitment to connecting diverse audiences with one of the world's most remarkable art collections while preserving its historic character. The project also highlights ongoing efforts to modernize London's historic institutions, balancing accessibility with conservation.