Prime Highlights:
Architect Lina Ghotmeh wins the contract to redesign the British Museum’s Western Range galleries after a competitive nine-month selection process.
The redesign will transform historic spaces housing world-renowned antiquities while maintaining a balance between heritage preservation and modern architectural standards.
Key Background:
Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, through her Paris-based firm Lina Ghotmeh – Architecture (LG-A), has won the contract to redesign the British Museum’s Western Range galleries, following a competitive selection process. The redesign aims to transform a historic space that houses some of the world’s most significant antiquities.
The competition, which ran for nine months, saw more than 60 teams participate, with five being shortlisted, including renowned architects Reem Koolhaas and David Chipperfield. The two-stage competition ultimately led to Ghotmeh’s victory, largely due to her archaeological approach to architectural design. The British Museum referred to the project as one of the largest cultural renovations undertaken globally.
The museum’s chairman, George Osborne, praised Ghotmeh for her ability to balance sensitivity to the collection’s history with a forward-looking design approach. He emphasized her ability to excite both the trustees and the public, anticipating the new galleries will captivate millions of visitors once completed. Ghotmeh, who has garnered global recognition for her architectural sensitivity, is also known for designing the Serpentine Pavilion in London in 2023. Her work often reflects deep connections to culture and history, a trait she is bringing to this redesign. Notably, she is collaborating with Lebanese artist Ali Cherri, whose work often delves into cultural heritage and geopolitics.
The Western Range, covering 15,650 square meters, includes 1850s buildings designed by Robert Smirke and subsequent additions. The renovation poses challenges due to the building’s historical fabric, which must be preserved while upgrading the space to meet modern standards. Ghotmeh views the redesign as a “journey of archaeology of the future,” and is committed to creating spaces that foster a deep connection between visitors and the museum’s collection.
