About the North West Development
The British Museum is planning an important new building
that will transform the north-west corner of its Bloomsbury site.
The proposed new building will improve the facilities for
visitors, staff and objects in the Museum's care.
Why does the Museum need a new building?
For the British Museum to maintain its international reputation for excellence, a major upgrade of facilities is essential. This project will help create a more efficient and more environmentally sustainable museum for the future.
What will be in the new building?
The North West Development will provide:
- A dedicated gallery for special exhibitions
- A state of the art conservation and science centre
- A collections' management hub to support the Museum's extensive UK and international loan programme
- World-class stores for the study collection
1. Gallery for special exhibitions
This purpose-built exhibition space will ensure the Museum is able to continue to host more major international exhibitions in the future. At approximately 1,150 square metres, the new special exhibition gallery will allow more people to see once-in-a-lifetime exhibitions such as The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army and Hadrian: Empire and Conflict.
2. International science and conservation centre
This project will provide state of the art science and conservation facilities, including laboratories, studios and libraries. It will ensure the Museum can continue to care for and research its collection for the benefit of present and future generations across the world.
3. Collections' management hub
This central logistics hub will make it easier for the Museum to loan more of its collection to museums around the UK and the world. It will also enable the Museum to receive more loaned objects for display at the Bloomsbury site, such as the Terracotta Warriors.
4. Study collection stores
These new on-site facilities to house the study collection will provide improved access to objects, as well as modern environmentally controlled systems able to maintain the stable conditions necessary for the preservation of objects.
Where will the new building be located?
The new building will be built in the north-west corner of the Museum's site in Bloomsbury, London. The area is highlighted on the adjacent plan.
What is the size of the new building?
The total area of the new building is approximately 17,000 square metres.
When will the new building be finished?
The target date for the completion of the new building is 2012. The project requires planning permission from the London Borough of Camden.
More information
For more information please contact + 44 (0)20 7383 8713 or email nwdp@britishmuseum.org
Images from top:
Rendered view of the proposed North West Development building on
Montague Place.
Conservation at the British Museum
Study collection stores
Aerial view showing the location of the North West Development in
red
