ArtDayME: The British Museum has announced Lebanese-born architect Lina Ghotmeh (LG—A) has won the competition to redesign its Western Range galleries. 

A pivotal moment in the Masterplan project to transform the Museum's historic building, the project will be one of the biggest cultural renovations undertaken anywhere in the world.

Over 60 teams applied to the two-stage international architectural competition, which ran for nine months. Five shortlisted teams were invited to take part in the second stage, from which LG—A emerged as the unanimous favourite.

LG—A, which is led by the multi award-winning architect Lina Ghotmeh, was said to have shown a deep understanding and sensitivity towards the Museum, the complexity of collections' display and artefacts' interactions with diverse visitor groups. Ghotmeh's vision especially resonated with the panel because of its 'archaeological' approach to architectural design.

Renderings of the proposed design by LG - A. (Supplied)

Lebanese-born Ghotmeh was said to have likened each new project to an archaeological dig, looking at a building's past to support the reimagination and 'story' of its future, with sustainability at its heart and a close observance to the use of natural materials. The panel felt this sentiment resonated with the Museum collection which spans two million years of human history.

Ghotmeh's practice is no stranger to significant commissions and has an impressive track record of delivering major cultural landmarks. Her work includes the recently completed Hermès Leather Workshop in Louviers, Normandy which opened in 2023 and the Estonian National Museum in Tartu. Ghotmeh has won and been nominated for high-profile awards including the Grand prix AFEX 2016 and the Mies Van der Rohe Award 2017.

Renderings of the proposed design by LG - A. (Supplied)

Quotes

George Osborne, Chairman of the British Museum and Chair of the Judging Panel, said: 'We set out to find the best and I believe we've found her. In Lina Ghotmeh we have an architect who combines a deep sensitivity to the history of our great collection while being a voice for the future. We had many outstanding entries – and I thank the other practices for all their hard work – but I can say as chair of the judging panel, she was the standout winner. Her design ideas excited and enthused the trustees; when they become real buildings and galleries we know they will excite and enthuse our millions of visitors. When we moved into our current building 200 years ago the world was wowed. I believe they will be wowed again when this transformation of our great sculpture galleries, and much more, is complete.'

Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum, said: 'Lina Ghotmeh is an architect of extraordinary grace and gravitas. Her team's proposals demonstrated an exceptional and materially sensitive architectural vision for the British Museum, and their 'archaeological' approach clearly understood the ambition for this project to be as much an intellectual transformation as an architectural one. Lina and her team have a track record for delivering unique and human-centred design with a timeless elegance. I am delighted we will be working together and excited for the years ahead at such a pivotal chapter for the Museum, embarking on a generationally significant project that will transform a third of our gallery space.'

Lina Ghotmeh, Founder of Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture, said: 'My team and I are thrilled to embark on this journey for the renovation of the Western Range of the British Museum. This competition has been an exciting process shaped by dialogue and multiple voices. I am looking forward to continuing this rich and collaborative process as we work towards transforming this section of the Museum into an extraordinary space – a place of connections for the world and of the world.'