National Portrait Gallery

Westminster, Greater London

Civic Trust Award

A masterclass in blending heritage with modernity, this ambitious project successfully reintroduces the gallery to the public, preserving its iconic Victorian architecture while ensuring it meets the needs of a contemporary audience. At the heart of this redesign is a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement, making the Gallery a true public resource for all. The Gallery’s Grade I Listed heritage has been celebrated, uncovering long-hidden spaces and enhancing the existing fabric with great care. The design reopens the East Wing and reintroduces forgotten areas, bringing light and life back into the building. One of the most striking elements is the reorientation of the entrance. Once tucked away, the Gallery now faces the city with a generous new forecourt, creating an open and inviting space that connects the Gallery to its bustling surroundings. This move enhances the building’s identity, offering visitors an easy and welcoming arrival experience. Sustainability plays a central role in the project’s execution. The architects committed to reducing embodied carbon by focusing on the retention and refurbishment of the existing structure. Ensuring that the Gallery minimises environmental impact while still delivering a state-of-the-art facility. Through careful refurbishment and strategic updates to systems like heating, cooling, and ventilation, the project enhances energy efficiency without compromising the building's character. By adding only 50m² of new-build space and reusing materials like terrazzo and teak, the design exemplifies sustainable building practices. Access and inclusion are cornerstones of the renovation. Previously, disabled visitors were relegated to a separate entrance, but now, everyone can enter through the same door, thanks to a newly designed, step-free entry. The inclusion of lifts, accessible toilets, and a Changing Places facility ensures that all visitors, regardless of mobility, can navigate the Gallery with ease. The Learning Centre, with its modern facilities and improved public spaces, has made the Gallery more inclusive for educational groups, with a remarkable increase in schoolchildren visits. Moreover, the project’s consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities and the public, ensured the design met the needs of all. 

Judges’ Comments: 

“This redesign is a triumph. It has not only revitalised a historic building but has made it more accessible and inclusive for all, creating a cultural hub that truly belongs to the people.”

Selwyn Goldsmith Highly Commended

Presented in memory of Becky Goldsmith to projects that demonstrate excellent universal design principles.

The reconfiguration, redevelopment, and refurbishment of the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) combines heritage preservation with modern design to create an accessible, inclusive, and welcoming cultural space. The project demonstrates how thoughtful architectural interventions can breathe new life into a historic institution while respecting its original character and function. The bold decision to relocate the main entrance to a new accessible forecourt facing the West End transforms the gallery’s approachability. The forecourt, harmoniously integrated with the urban context, creates an inviting civic space around the Henry Irving Statue, drawing visitors in naturally. The sensitive restoration of interior spaces, including the reopening of original windows and reinstating historical layouts, allows natural light to illuminate the galleries while connecting the building to the outside world. The bold colour choices in the historical galleries reinstate the intended visual contrasts, enhancing the presentation of the portraits. Impressively, nearly 900 square meters of underused or lost space have been reclaimed for public use, maximizing functionality without compromising the building’s integrity. The restoration of terrazzo floors and the exceptional detailing throughout highlight the commitment to craftsmanship and longevity. The project prioritises inclusivity, making significant strides in accessibility. The new main entrance, with its seamlessly integrated ramp, ensures a wheelchair-accessible and welcoming experience. The education rooms, now accessible via lift, expand the gallery’s reach to schools and colleges, fostering engagement with diverse audiences. Frequent rest points, wheelchair-height text displays, and accessible sanitary facilities, including a Changing Places facility, cater to a wide range of visitor needs. Design elements such as differentiated floor finishes for wayfinding, the strategic use of colours, and the introduction of natural light support orientation and enhance the visitor experience, particularly for neurodiverse individuals. Child-height balustrades and accommodations for varying physical abilities demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity for visitors of all ages. The gallery has not only improved accessibility but has also enhanced its visibility and relevance as a national institution. The new design fosters a sense of openness and belonging, encouraging greater public engagement. By minimizing new construction - only 50 sqm - the project sets a benchmark for sustainable heritage adaptation, extending the building’s life while preserving its civic majesty.

Judges’ Comments: 

“The National Portrait Gallery’s transformation has ensured that this cultural landmark is a welcoming space for all.”