For over 30 years, Purcell has supported the National Gallery through a series of sensitive and ambitious projects. This longstanding partnership has helped the world-renowned institution to adapt, grow and welcome millions of visitors while safeguarding its rich architectural legacy.
Purcell has led a range of initiatives, from conservation and design projects to major gallery refurbishments, to the most recent NG200 capital programme, including the reimagining of the Sainsbury Wing in collaboration with Selldorf Architects. Today, their work continues to enhance the gallery’s impact on London’s cultural life.
“Purcell's understanding of our building and its setting is profound. The firm's experience in engaging with planning authorities has been invaluable. Sensitive and pragmatic is how I would describe its approach.” - Dr Gabriele Finaldi, Director at The National Gallery
NG200
Sainsbury Wing and Supporter’s House
As part of the gallery’s bicentennial celebrations, a series of capital works were commissioned by the gallery. Designed by Selldorf Architects, in close collaboration with Purcell as executive architect and heritage consultant, the completed project is a subtle yet impactful upgrade that improves accessibility, visibility and welcome, while preserving the building’s architectural integrity.
“Our role in NG200 began at competition stage when Jon Wright, our 20th-century heritage expert, authored an essay articulating the Wing’s significance as Venturi Scott Brown’s only UK project. We undertook extensive research, including archival studies at Yale and site visits to key (VBSA) designed buildings in the United States - such as the Vanna Venturi House and Wu Hall at Princeton - providing essential context. We also undertook thorough investigations into the origins and development of the Sainsbury Wing design to establish which parts and spaces of the building carried greatest significance in terms of VSBA’s design philosophy.” Alasdair Travers, Design Partner at Purcell
Purcell developed a conservation management plan that balances the building’s postmodern character with 21st-century needs, respecting Denise Scott Brown and Robert Venturi’s original design ethos.
An inclusive and sustainable welcome
The design focused on a series of targeted interventions to improve the gallery’s welcome experience. These included a new public forecourt, a reimagined entrance, and updated amenities – each one designed to improve the experience without compromising the original architecture.
A previously underused courtyard west of the Sainsbury Wing has been transformed into a public plaza, connecting Trafalgar Square to Jubilee Walk. Nearby, in the gallery’s historic Wilkins Building, a new space for members of the gallery has been created, with interiors by Dutch designers Studio Linse. Opening later in 2025, Supporters House will be a dedicated area for its patrons to dine and relax.
“Trafalgar Square has always been a place for the people – it is a site of both celebration and protest, and the National Gallery is a part of that landscape. By improving access and enhancing the visitor experience, we’re making this incredible collection more available to all.” Alasdair Travers, Design Partner at Purcell
The entrance now features a transparent glazed vestibule, replacing the heavy revolving doors to reduce ‘threshold anxiety’ for new audiences. New signage and stone lettering were hand-carved by the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern digital techniques.
Inside, the lobby has been reconfigured for better circulation, daylight, and openness. Structurally, the windows are the same, but Purcell changed the glass to a lighter specification, allowing for natural light to flood the space. New seating, a café, and a multimedia display wall create a more inviting, navigable arrival.
NG200 is more than an architectural upgrade – it’s a reinvestment in public welcome. The project reinforces the National Gallery’s mission to be open, inclusive and world class in every sense.
“We hope that the revitalised Sainsbury Wing will allow the Gallery to welcome first-time visitors and old friends in a way which matches the exceptional collection.” Alasdair Travers, Design Partner at Purcell
Public engagement was pivotal for ensuring the new entrance was inclusive and welcoming for all, with consultation taking place with underrepresented audiences - including families, disabled visitors, and people who frequent Trafalgar Square but seldom enter the Gallery – informing the design. By improving access and enhancing the visitor experience, the gallery’s world-renowned collection is now open and inviting for all.
Roden Centre for creative learning
Built in 1975 and last refurbished in 2010, an overhaul of the National Gallery’s learning centre was the first in the suite of capital building projects to open to the public. Working with London-based architecture practice Lawson Ward Studio, Purcell overhauled the gallery’s existing learning centre, creating a new, state-of-the-art space designed to inspire and engage people of all ages.
Lawson Ward Studio, supported by the National Gallery’s learning team, engaged with children, young people, and adults as part of the design process, resulting in a vivid and inspiring place for both children and adults alike to connect with the National Gallery’s world-renowned collection.
An enduring relationship
Purcell’s approach blends intelligent design with careful conservation, reimagining a wide range of spaces across the site, always with respect for the building’s Grade I listing and its historic setting in Trafalgar Square. A comprehensive masterplan in 2018 built on the decades-long relationship of trust and collaboration with the gallery, exploring the potential of the existing estate and capacity for change.
This led to further work at the gallery, including Gallery B, a new 200m² exhibition space created from underused back-of-house areas – the first new gallery addition since the Sainsbury Wing opened in 1991. Following Gallery B, the Julia and Hans Rausing Room — the largest and one of the most visited rooms of The National Gallery — reopened after a £3m 21 month refurbishment project led by Purcell in 2020.
Purcell’s deep knowledge of the National Gallery’s buildings and culture has shaped every intervention. From masterplanning to refurbishment, it has delivered lasting value, helping the Gallery respond to the needs of today, while safeguarding its legacy for tomorrow.