The National Gallery in London has unveiled its £85 million ($113 million) renovation of the Sainsbury Wing, marking the culmination of the museum's bicentenary celebrations. Led by architect Annabelle Selldorf, the project transformed the postmodernist building into the museum's primary accessible entrance, featuring a more spacious atrium, clear glass walls to invite natural light, and a significant rehang of the permanent collection. The redesign aimed to resolve long-standing issues with visitor flow and accessibility while preserving the building's iconic grand staircase.
The project arrives following intense architectural controversy, with original co-designer Denise Scott Brown and several former RIBA presidents previously likening the plans to an "airport lounge." Despite these critiques, the initial reception suggests the renovation successfully balances modern functional needs with the eccentricities of the 1991 Venturi Scott Brown design. The update reflects a broader trend of major institutions retrofitting postmodern landmarks to accommodate 21st-century crowds and accessibility standards.