Kengo Kuma to design new National Gallery wing after high-profile competition

The National Gallery in London has announced that Kengo Kuma and Associates, working in collaboration with BDP and MICA, has won the international competition to design a major new wing as part of its $1 billion Project Domani expansion.

The project marks the most significant transformation of the institution since its founding over 200 years ago. Central to the initiative is the extension of the gallery’s collection beyond 1900, enabling it to present a continuous overview of Western painting within a single institution.

Launched in September 2025, the competition attracted 65 submissions, with six teams shortlisted for the final stage, as we reported late last year. The jury described the winning proposal as “exemplary,” awarding it the highest possible score.

The new wing will be constructed on the site of St Vincent House, a property acquired by the gallery nearly three decades ago and currently occupied by a hotel and office complex. The development forms a key component of Project Domani, which also includes the creation of new gallery spaces, an acquisitions fund focused on modern works, and the establishment of a long-term financial endowment.

According to the gallery, the selected design balances innovation with sensitivity to its historic context. The scheme references the adjacent Sainsbury Wing, while introducing a distinct design language. Portland stone and stepped massing are used to integrate the building with its urban surroundings, while landscaped public areas and improved connections to Leicester Square aim to enhance accessibility and visitor experience.

Internally, the design features a contrast between vaulted and arched spaces on the main floor and more geometric forms on the upper level. This approach sought to create continuity with existing galleries while introducing variation in spatial character across the new wing.