A POPULAR free attraction in the UK capital is set to undergo a multi-million upgrade.
Under new plans, the free-to-visit National Gallery in London is set to undergo a major £750million project, including a new £350million wing.
The new wing will house 20th and 21st century art, which will be a first for the gallery as it doesn’t have post-20th century art.
Currently, the gallery is home to the country’s largest collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 20th century, with works including paintings by Cezanne, Monet and Van Gogh.
Named Project Domani, the expansion is set to be the biggest change for the National Gallery in two centuries.
Inside the new £350million wing visitors can expect a “simple and clean” design with the main floor featuring vaults and arches.
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On the upper floor, there will be more of a geometric design.
Judges of the design competition for the project noted that the new wing’s design is “innovative and beautiful”.
They added that this means the main floor of galleries will continue the theme seen in the Sainsbury Wing and North Galleries.
But then, in comparison, the upper floor will have its own style.
The judges said: “The thoughtful design of the external spaces, with links to Leicester Square, evokes an open visitor welcome which is further enhanced using Portland stone and stepped massing, which shows sensitivity to the surrounding streets and allows natural light to be drawn into the building.”
The new wing will be built on the site of the remaining part of the National Gallery’s campus at St Vincent House, which currently houses a hotel and offices.
The museum is also hoping to become the only one in the world to display just paintings.
An opening date for the new wing is yet to be announced.
Behind the huge project is Tokyo-based architecture firm Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA) – who designed the V&A Dundee – alongside two other firms.
National Gallery Chair of Trustees and Jury Chair, John Booth said that Kengo Kuma’s proposal is “a beautiful design inside and out, sensitive to our existing Grade I exteriors and distinctive gallery spaces, the new building will also help to unite two of London’s most important outdoor spaces — Leicester and Trafalgar Squares — by creating enticing new public realm between them”.
National Gallery Director, Sir Gabriele Finaldi added: “The new building will complete the National Gallery’s campus, adding distinction to some already distinguished buildings.”
Kengo Kuma said: “It is a privilege to join the National Gallery in this historic project.
“The National Gallery’s collection is a treasure of humanity, and to be entrusted with the expansion that will hold these masterpieces is a responsibility we carry with the greatest care and humility.”
The National Gallery is one of the world’s most visited art museums, welcoming around six million visitors a year.
And it is completely free to visit – though booking is recommended in busy periods such as the school holidays.
In addition to its vast collection of art, visitors can head to the Ochre restaurant, a cafe and shops inside the museum.
In other attractions news, visitors could soon be charged to visit other major London attractions.
Plus, here are all our experts’ favourite attractions to head to in the city.