The National Gallery in London has appointed Tokyo-based architect Kengo Kuma to design a new £350 million wing as part of its ambitious £750 million "Project Domani" expansion. Kuma, known for the V&A Dundee, beat out high-profile Pritzker Prize winners Renzo Piano and Norman Foster for the commission. The project involves the demolition of St. Vincent House to create 15,000 square feet of new exhibition space dedicated to 20th and 21st-century art, along with new pedestrian zones and a roof garden.
This selection marks a significant shift for the National Gallery as it seeks to modernize its campus and bridge the gap between its historic collection and contemporary art. By choosing Kuma’s "innovative and beautiful" design over more established Western firms, the institution signals a commitment to architectural elegance and environmental sensitivity. The expansion is a cornerstone of the museum's strategy to increase its footprint by 15 percent and establish a permanent endowment for future operations and acquisitions.