Kengo Kuma and Associates, BDP, and MICA Architects, were selected from a shortlist of firms to design a major addition to London’s National Gallery as part of Project Domani, a $1 billion capital campaign, the museum announced today.
In a statement, architect Kengo Kuma called the commission a “historic project.” He affirmed 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 addition will extend the National Gallery’s footprint into the St. Vincent House site, a property the museum acquired decades ago. The Project Domani competition jury called Kengo Kuma’s submission “exemplary” and gave it the highest possible score.
The building becomes more opaque as it rises, in order to provide controlled settings for art display. (Courtesy National Gallery)
The competition jury was chaired by John Booth, National Gallery Board of Trustees, and included artist Céline Condorelli, National Gallery director Sir Gabriele Finaldi, architect Lady Patty Hopkins, and others.
Kuma’s design is defined by its stepped massing clad in Portland stone, a gesture that, per the jury, keeps it “respectful of the Sainsbury Wing galleries” by Venturi Scott Brown, and recently renovated by Selldorf Architects.
Renderings show the midrise building with transparent finishes at its base. The building becomes more opaque as it rises, in order to provide controlled settings for art display. The Portland stone facade is striated, casting dynamic shadow lines.
The winning design features an expansive public rooftop. (Courtesy National Gallery)
“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,” the jury noted, “which shows sensitivity to the surrounding streets and allows natural light to be drawn into the building.”
The competition jury said, in regard to the interiors, the “style of the galleries is very simple and clean, with a contrast between the main floor that incorporates vaults and arches, while the upper floor has a more geometric design.”
An expansive rooftop lined with plants, ideal for peering out at the city beyond, is included in the ensemble.
The National Gallery launched Project Domani in 2025. Kengo Kuma and Associates was subsequently shortlisted that December.
The winning team ultimately beating out submissions by Farshid Moussavi Architecture, Piercy & Company, Foster + Partners, Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Adamson Associates, Selldorf Architects and Purcell, and Studio Seilern Architects.