The National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing, which has been closed for refurbishment for two years, is set to reopen on May 10, 2025. This wing, originally designed by postmodern architects Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown in 1991, was deemed not fit for purpose, prompting a competition for a redesign.
Architect Annabelle Selldorf was selected for the project and has focused on enhancing the space by allowing in more natural light and improving visitor accessibility. The refurbished wing will feature a specially designed chapel-like room for Piero della Francesca's 'Baptism of Christ' and a dedicated space for Paolo Uccello's 'The Battle of San Romano', which has just undergone a three-year restoration.
In conjunction with the reopening of the Sainsbury Wing, the entire National Gallery collection will be rehung, marking a significant celebration of the gallery's 200th anniversary. This renovation not only revitalizes a key part of London's cultural heritage but also enhances the visitor experience, emphasizing the importance of architectural evolution in public spaces.