Arup's sustainable design transforms the UK’s National Gallery for its bicentenary

The project reconfigures the Grade-I Sainsbury Wing as the main entrance to the Gallery, creating a more welcoming and accessible space. Additionally, the NG200 scope includes the New Supporters House in the West Wing of the 1838 Wilkins Building and the Roden Centre for creative learning in the north wing of the Gallery. 

Arup provided multidisciplinary services for these elements, along with upgrades to the public realm connecting the Gallery to Trafalgar Square. 

Visitors are now welcomed into a spacious, double-height entrance hall in the Sainsbury Wing, where previously underused areas have been transformed to improve public access and facilitate the new research centre. The project also introduces a new public square outside the Sainsbury Wing, enhancing the Gallery's connection to the surrounding area and a new below ground link that will connect the two buildings in the Phase Two works which will follow.  

Phase Two will also include a new research centre in the Wilkins Building that will support the Gallery’s vision of becoming a world leader of research into historic painting. 

Carolina Bartram, Associate Director and Project Director comments: “The Arup team is excited to see the results of our collaborative efforts on the NG200 project. The collaboration has resulted in an upgrade that prepares the National Gallery for the next 200 years as it strikes the perfect balance between bold, sustainable remodelling with the technical challenge of integrating modern systems into a historic building.”

Throughout the project, Arup engaged with various stakeholders, including the facilities management team, curators and trustees, to ensure the design aligned with the Gallery’s overall sustainability and future proofing ambitions. Arup is developing a bespoke sustainability framework, implementing extensive whole life carbon analysis.  

Vasilis Maroulas, Associate Director and Project Manager comments: “Arup is proud to be a part of the National Gallery’s transformative project - this ambitious initiative underscores Arup’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while integrating innovative design and sustainability.” 

Other recent Arup arts and culture projects include the Royal Academy of Arts masterplan, and the V&A East Storehouse – due to open in May 2025.