Kengo Kuma, BDP and MICA announced as winners of Project Domani architectural competition
Kengo Kuma and Associates with BDP and MICA will design the new tomorrow for the National Gallery after winning the competition to design its new wing, part of the museum’s £750 million Project Domani.
In the largest and most significant transformation of the National Gallery since its formation 200 years ago, Project Domani also includes the move to extend its historic collection beyond 1900, making it the only museum in the world which exclusively displays paintings, where visitors will be able to view the entire history of painting in the Western tradition.
The Gallery launched an international architectural competition for a new wing to house its expanded collection in September 2025. 65 submissions were received, with six architects** shortlisted to take part in a design competition.
The Jury Panel found the design submission from Kengo Kuma and Associates with BDP and MICA ‘exemplary’ and awarded it the highest available score.
They commented: 'The design is both innovative and beautiful, meeting the ambition and sensitivity required for an international gallery commission. It is respectful of the Sainsbury Wing galleries... and the approach to the public realm and roof garden creates a generous presence, enhanced by trees and greenery. The thoughtful design of the external spaces, with links to Leicester Square, evokes an open visitor welcome which is further enhanced using Portland stone and stepped massing, which shows sensitivity to the surrounding streets and allows natural light to be drawn into the building.'
Of the interior of the new wing, the Jury Panel said: 'The style of the galleries is very simple and clean, with a contrast between the main floor that incorporates vaults and arches, while the upper floor has a more geometric design. As a result, the main floor of galleries presents a continuum with the Sainsbury Wing and North Galleries, but the upper floor has its own style, which adds variety and a change of design pace to the overall scheme.'
On social value: 'A robust and measurable social value delivery plan is defined… strengthened through the inclusion of the bespoke Climate & Social Action Design Framework. The approach to sustainability is also defined, alongside a clear strategy for considering and applying social value principles across the lifecycle of the project.'
In conclusion: 'This is an exemplary submission, demonstrating both a strong grasp of the importance of social value for this project, and how social value could be integrated into existing National Gallery initiatives, and future National Gallery schemes.'
Project Domani is a £750 million campaign that will redefine the National Gallery for the next century, creating new spaces to house an expanded collection, building an acquisitions fund for modern paintings, while also ensuring the Gallery’s long-term financial sustainability through a robust endowment.
The new wing will be built on the site of the last remaining part of the National Gallery’s current campus: St Vincent House. The property was acquired nearly 30 years ago, for the purpose of expanding gallery space, and currently houses a hotel and office complex.
National Gallery Chair of Trustees, and Jury Chair, John Booth, said: 'The Jury’s exciting and challenging task was to assess design submissions from six of the world’s finest architects and their partners. All six were impressive and thoughtful, but in the end Kengo Kuma’s proposal was our unanimous choice. A beautiful design inside and out, sensitive to our existing Grade 1 exteriors and distinctive gallery spaces, the new building will also help to unite two of London’s most important outdoor spaces — Leicester and Trafalgar Squares — by creating enticing new public realm between them.'
National Gallery Director, Sir Gabriele Finaldi, said: 'Kengo Kuma’s trajectory as an architect demonstrates exceptional design elegance, a keen sensitivity to location and to history, and a supremely beautiful handling of light and of materials. The new building will complete the National Gallery’s campus, adding distinction to some already distinguished buildings. We are thrilled to be working with Kengo Kuma and his design partners, BDP and MICA, on this exciting new development for the nation’s Gallery and for central London.'
Kengo Kuma said: 'It is a privilege to join the National Gallery in this historic project. The National Gallery's collection is a treasure of humanity, and to be entrusted with the expansion that will hold these masterpieces is a responsibility we carry with the greatest care and humility.'
