Paris-based Lina Ghotmeh Architecture has revealed designs that take an “archaeological approach” to the renovation of the British Museum‘s Western Range galleries in London.
Lina Ghotmeh Architecture, which is led by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, was announced as the winner of the museum’s two-stage international competition to oversee the transformation of a third of its gallery space.
Selected as a “unanimous favourite” from a five-strong shortlist, the winning redesign was praised by the jury for its “archaeological approach” and sensitivity towards the historical museum.
The renovation forms part of the museum’s masterplan transformation project, with initial designs set to be developed by the studio by mid-2026.
Lina Ghotmeh Architecture has been selected to renovate the British Museum’s Western Range galleries
“I am looking forward to continuing this rich and collaborative process as we work towards transforming this section of the museum into an extraordinary space — a place of connections for the world and of the world,” Ghotmeh said.
Early renders of the proposal reveal lofty galleries complete with “materially sensitive” interiors, and clerestory openings that draw light into the space below.
At ground level, a centralised exhibition space will be wrapped with seating for visitors and backed by arched openings, while tiered balconies will host additional gallery space.
Textured, stone-coloured surfaces informed by Ghotmeh’s archaeological approach are set to feature in the redesign.
“In Lina Ghotmeh we have an architect who combines a deep sensitivity to the history of our great collection while being a voice for the future,” jury member and chairman of the British Museum George Osborne said.
“Her team’s proposals demonstrated an exceptional and materially sensitive architectural vision for the British Museum, and their ‘archaeological’ approach clearly understood the ambition for this project to be as much an intellectual transformation as an architectural one,” jury member and director of the British Museum Nicholas Cullinan added.
Alongside Osborne and Cullinan on the judging panel were ten architecture professionals, including co-founder of Grafton Architects Yvonne Farrell.
The design was praised for its “archaeological approach”
Last year, architects were urged by activist collective BP or not BP? “not to work with the British Museum” due to its masterplan redevelopment being funded by oil company BP.
According to the collective, the £50 million donation from the oil company had been described as “one of the biggest, most brazen greenwashing sponsorship deals the sector has ever seen”.
Previous projects by Ghotmeh’s studio include the 2023 Serpentine Pavilion in London designed to be “an invitation to dwell together” and an Hermès leather workshop in Louviers, France, that has “galloping arches”.
The renders are courtesy of Lina Ghotmeh Architecture.
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