Lina Ghotmeh to redesign British Museum’s Western Range galleries with ‘archaeological’ approach

The British Museum has announced that Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture (LG—A) has won the international competition to redesign the museum's Western Range galleries. Part of the London institution’s wider masterplan project, the redesign is set to be “one of the biggest cultural renovations undertaken anywhere in the world,” according to the museum.

The competition, launched in May 2024 and concluded in December 2024, attracted over 60 submissions from architectural practices worldwide. Following a two-stage process, five shortlisted teams advanced to the final round, with LG—A emerging as the unanimous choice. The judging panel included ten architectural industry professionals, alongside British Museum Director Nicholas Cullinan and Chair George Osborne.

The jury noted that Ghotmeh’s design showed a “deep understanding and sensitivity towards the Museum, the complexity of collections' display and artifacts' interactions with diverse visitor groups.” Ghotmeh's vision resonated with the panel in particular because of its 'archaeological' approach to architectural design.

“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 museum noted in a statement. “The panel felt this sentiment resonated with the Museum collection which spans two million years of human history.”

The LG—A team will now collaborate with the British Museum to refine their concept into a final design, with the project’s full design approach expected to be unveiled by mid-2026. In total, the redevelopment is expected to transform nearly a third of the museum’s gallery space.

“My team and I are thrilled to embark on this journey for the renovation of the Western Range of the British Museum,” Ghotmeh said about the awarding of the project. “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.”