National Gallery London Unveils Renovated Sainsbury Wing for Bicentennial

The National Gallery in London has completed the first phase of a major renovation of its Sainsbury Wing, reopening the entrance on May 10, 2025. Designed by Selldorf Architects in collaboration with Purcell Heritage Architects, the new atrium is brighter and more accessible, with a street-level entrance and 60% more space achieved by removing non-structural columns and adding a mezzanine. The project cost £85 million and aims to improve visitor flow for the museum's 8 million annual visitors. A new Italian restaurant by chef Giorgio Locatelli, named Locatelli, seats 80 and incorporates Paula Rego's mural Crivelli's Garden. The renovation preserves the Grade I listed building's original features, using materials like pietra serena and Chamesson limestone. Outside, the adjacent square has been renamed Yorkstone Sainsbury Wing Square with benches by VOGT Landscape. The project has faced criticism, including from original architect Denise Scott Brown in 2022. Future phases include a Supporters' House by end of 2025 and an underground passage to the Wilkins Building, with construction starting spring 2026.