National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing reopens following two years of work
The National Gallery’s new main entrance reopens this weekend following the completion of two years of work – and to mark its 200th centenary.
The Sainsbury Wing closed in February 2023 to undergo sensitive interventions to its external façade, foyer and first floor.
Managers say the work should provide a ‘better and more welcoming first experience to the National Gallery’s millions of visitors.’
The plan was designed by New York-based Selldorf Architects – working with heritage architects Purcell.
‘The National Gallery is one of the best loved members of our family of national Museums,’ says Chris Bryant, Arts’ Minister.
‘It’s a delight to see any family member get a makeover, and this is no exception. The new entrance will offer the best welcome anyone could imagine. And having seen some of the rehang, I know everybody will be amazed.’
‘I’m particularly grateful to the donors who have so generously supported this, enabling the Gallery to reimagine its space, reinterpret its collection, and open the doors wider to all communities.’
At the entrance, some of the Gallery’s footprint has been given over to public realm, creating a ‘square within a square.’ The aim is to lead to a more spacious entrance to the Gallery.
The Sainsbury Wing Foyer: looking south. Image: The National Gallery, London. Photography: © Edmund Sumner.
‘Magnificent gallery spaces’
The original dark glass of the stairs up to the gallery spaces has been replaced with clear glazing, bringing daylight across the foyer (with views to The National Gallery).
The glazing also allows people in Trafalgar Square to see directly into the Gallery for the first time.
‘The remodelled ground floor and mezzanine floor now provide a much larger and more welcoming entrance for the millions of visitors expected every year; a fitting introduction to the magnificent gallery spaces which remain unchanged,’ says Sir Timothy Sainsbury.
‘The Headley Trust and The Linbury Trust welcome the redesign and are pleased to continue to support the Sainsbury Wing towards its next 35 years and beyond.’
Experts say the entrance opens into a new double-height foyer which includes a 12 metre wide 16K screen shows astounding details of National Gallery paintings.
There’s also a new espresso bar, Bar Giorgio, by Giorgio Locatelli, on the ground floor. Locatelli, the restaurant by the same chef, will be on the mezzanine level, alongside a new bookshop and spaces for meetings and events.
A bar will provide the to-date only publicly accessible space in London to enjoy a drink with views onto Trafalgar Square.
