First museum dedicated to Brutalist architecture to open in London

The UK's National Lottery has awarded £1.16 million to restore the Acland Burghley School in Tuffnell Park, London, and create the world's first museum dedicated to Brutalist architecture. Designed by architects Bill Howell, John Killick, John Partridge, and Stan Amis in the 1960s, the school is a Grade II listed example of post-war Brutalism. The funding, part of the Hall for All project, will restore the school's hexagonal assembly hall—home to the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment—and its foyer, which will house the museum. The renovation by Reed Watts Architects includes a modern stage, 300 seats, underground ventilation, and new reception facilities. The project also aims to serve the community, offering a safe space for young people, families, and local groups. The school's headteacher, Nicholas John, emphasized the social role of the space. Construction begins in April 2025, with completion expected in 2027. The museum will feature permanent exhibitions and a digital archive, celebrating the original vision of Howell, Killick, Partridge & Amis, who completed the school in 1968.