As part of the National Gallery’s grand 200th birthday celebrations, a new chapter begins on Saturday 10 May 2025, with the reopening of the Sainsbury Wing entrance. Closed since February 2023 for an ambitious transformation, the Sainsbury Wing now re-emerges as a more welcoming and beautifully redesigned main gateway to one of the world’s greatest art collections.
The renovation, led by New York-based Selldorf Architects in collaboration with heritage architects Purcell, has been a sensitive yet forward-thinking project. The changes balance a respect for the historic architecture with a fresh approach to meet the modern needs of millions of annual visitors.
A Transformed Welcome
Visitors will now enter through a reimagined space, where some of the Gallery’s footprint has been cleverly dedicated to the public realm. The result is a “square-within-a-square” leading to a more spacious and approachable entrance. The formerly dark glass stairs have been replaced with clear glazing, allowing sunlight to stream into the foyer while offering glimpses of the National Gallery’s historic 1830s building by William Wilkins. For the first time, passers-by in Trafalgar Square will be able to peer directly inside this iconic cultural landmark.
Inside, a stunning double-height foyer awaits. The space is brighter, airier, and beautifully modernised. At its centre is a colossal 12-metre-wide, state-of-the-art 16K screen, which showcases astonishing close-up details of the Gallery’s masterpieces.
Culinary and Cultural Delights
The renovations also bring exciting new amenities to enhance the visitor experience. A ground-floor espresso bar, Bar Giorgio, will offer coffee connoisseurs a perfect pit-stop, while the mezzanine level houses Locatelli, a chic restaurant helmed by celebrated chef Giorgio Locatelli. This space is complemented by a new bookshop, event spaces, and London’s only public bar where guests can enjoy a drink while gazing out over Trafalgar Square.
Adding to the artistic allure, diners at Locatelli will find themselves face to face with Paula Rego’s Crivelli’s Garden (1990–91). Originally inspired by Carlo Crivelli’s Renaissance works in the National Gallery’s collection, this vibrant piece by the Gallery’s first Associate Artist has returned to adorn the mezzanine, connecting the past with the present.
Further cultural enrichment comes with the reopening of the recently renamed Piggot Theatre on the lower ground floor. The theatre has been completely refurbished, with a new colour scheme and updates to increase comfort and accessibility, including level access to the stage.
Sustainability and Heritage Craftsmanship
One of the highlights of the renovation is the thoughtful use of materials. The palette includes grey Florentine limestone, Chamesson limestone from northern Burgundy, slate, oak, and black granite. Notably, where possible, existing materials have been recycled or repurposed for use in other parts of the building. The renovations seamlessly marry the old with the new, remaining true to the building’s architectural heritage.
Celebratory Voices
Reflecting on the transformation, Sir Timothy Sainsbury remarked, “The remodelled ground floor and mezzanine floor now provide a much larger and more welcoming entrance for the millions of visitors expected every year; a fitting introduction to the magnificent gallery spaces which remain unchanged. The Headley Trust and The Linbury Trust welcome the redesign and are pleased to continue to support the Sainsbury Wing towards its next 35 years and beyond.”
Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, added, “From 10 May, The Sainsbury Wing will be the main entrance to the National Gallery. Thanks to the reimagining of the exterior and interior spaces by architect Annabelle Selldorf, millions of visitors will be welcomed into the newly configured and subtly refurbished spaces, double height and brightly lit, and en route to exploring the Gallery’s superb painting collection from Giotto to Monet.”
Architect Annabelle Selldorf, who spearheaded the redesign, noted, “We are honoured to have contributed to making the Sainsbury Wing more welcoming and accessible and are looking forward to visitors enjoying a new light filled and seamless experience as they discover the magnificent collection of the National Gallery and all that it has to offer.”
Finally, Arts Minister Chris Bryant celebrated the achievement, stating, “The National Gallery is one of the best loved members of our family of national museums. It’s a delight to see any family member get a makeover, and this is no exception. The new entrance will offer the best welcome anyone could imagine. And having seen some of the rehang, I know everybody will be amazed. I’m particularly grateful to the donors who have so generously supported this, enabling the Gallery to reimagine its space, reinterpret its collection, and open the doors wider to all communities.”
The Future Beckons
The reopening of the Sainsbury Wing marks a bold new chapter for the National Gallery, showcasing how an institution with a deep respect for history can step confidently into the future. With its breathtaking redesign, thoughtful additions, and commitment to accessibility and sustainability, the Gallery is ready to welcome the world for the next stage of its remarkable 200-year legacy.
From Saturday 10 May 2025, art lovers and first-time visitors alike will have the chance to experience this transformed space, an awe-inspiring gateway into a collection that spans centuries of human creativity. The countdown to a new era of cultural discovery has begun.