Architect Annabelle Selldorf Discusses National Gallery’s Transformation

The National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing in London is undergoing an £85 million renovation led by architect Annabelle Selldorf. The unveiling is planned for May 2025.

The project, called “The Wonder of Art,” focuses on reimagining the visitor experience and transforming the space. Selldorf’s design aims to modernize the gallery while respecting its legacy.

A new entrance will connect the building with Trafalgar Square. This change is intended to reduce the “threshold anxiety” that visitors often feel.

The Vision: A Modern Welcome for London’s Iconic Landmark

The Sainsbury Wing, added in the 1990s, has often been criticized for its uninviting entrance. Selldorf wants to create a bright, open, and accessible entryway.

Her vision uses minimalist materials and textures. She also addresses functional problems that have affected the gallery experience.

Breaking Down the Renovation Details

Selldorf’s redesign balances artistic detail with practical use. Key updates include:

• Replacing non-structural columns to open up the ground floor.
• Cutting sections out of the ceiling to add a mezzanine floor.
• Using transparent glazing to let in natural light and connect to Trafalgar Square.
• Installing Portuguese limestone flooring for a modern look.
• Moving the cloakroom downstairs to clear the entrance area.

Aesthetic touches will also improve the space. Lighting fixtures made from pinkish Murano glass add understated elegance.

The oval cocktail bar, decorated with golden-yellow ceramic panels inspired by Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, will be a standout feature. This addition pays tribute to the art displayed in the gallery.

Tackling Criticism and Honoring Legacy

Selldorf is known for her careful and thoughtful designs, but some have criticized the renovation. Denise Scott Brown, one of the original architects, and other architects from the Royal Institute of British Architects voiced concerns about the historical integrity of the wing.

Some critics compared the new foyer to an “airport lounge,” expressing fears about a space that feels too modern or impersonal. Selldorf’s approach, however, is to build upon the past rather than erase it.

Her design choices show respect for the building’s legacy and public needs. During construction, a note from John Sainsbury was found in a lobby column, a discovery Selldorf called “incredibly touching.”

Addressing the Public’s “Threshold Anxiety”

Reducing “threshold anxiety” has been a key focus of Selldorf’s design. By making the entrance more open and transparent, she hopes visitors will feel welcome and comfortable.

The improved views from Trafalgar Square and the smooth flow into the building are meant to invite people in. This aims to make the gallery feel accessible to everyone.

The Challenges of Curating Modern Change

Selldorf has faced challenges from architectural purists and external events. When asked about the Just Stop Oil protests at the museum, she described the activists’ actions as “naïve, stupid, aggressive.”

She is frustrated that valuable artworks now need to be protected by glass. For Selldorf, preserving art and creating welcoming spaces are equally important.

A Testament to Understated Excellence

Selldorf is known for her understated approach rather than flashy designs. Her work on the National Gallery follows this same philosophy.

Elegant details like Murano glass fixtures and a copper-accented cocktail bar are included, but they do not overwhelm the space. Her renovation achieves a quiet balance between bold ideas and subtle restraint.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing prepares for its re-opening in May 2025, Selldorf’s work is set to redefine the visitor experience. The project is more than a physical renovation; it marks a shift in how art institutions connect with their audiences.

Accessibility, thoughtful design, and cultural connection are now priorities. The renovation has sparked debate, but it may set a new standard for blending architectural heritage with modern needs.

The Sainsbury Wing’s transformation shows that architecture is always changing. Annabelle Selldorf has guided this evolution with both care and creativity.

 
Here is the source article for this story: The architect at the heart of the National Gallery’s reinvention: ‘Just Stop Oil were stupid and naive’