Lina Ghotmeh Architecture, directed by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, has been entrusted with the task of reimagining the Western Range galleries at the British Museum in London. Paris based practice Lina Ghotmeh Architecture will redevelop 1/3 of the gallery space because the museum decided to assign them in an internal two stage competition. Ghotmeh’s approach, which was one of the five shortlisted designs, was crowned the winner for employing an “archaeological approach” to the redesign.
Ghotmeh will work with the museum’s experts to incorporate one of the wide scale plans for change into their studio work and is expected to have the design finalized by the middle of 2026.
Ghotmeh said, “I am excited to carry on this collaborative project as together we aim to build an astonishing space for the purpose of fostering international relations. Even though the overall design is still in the works, the rough drafts feature grand galleries with moderation sensitive materials. The refinement will involve Ghotmeh’s signature archeological style, granite and pale shade texture surfaced finish, and clerestory windows and open air step balconies for additional exhibition placement to filter daylight.
Members of the jury lauded Ghotmeh’s vision, where George Osborne, Chairman of the British Museum, stated that she “seems to be looking forward while combining a deep sensitivity to the history of our collection.” Nicholas Cullinan, the British Museum director, further pointed out that Ghotmeh’s team’s proposal, “showed remarkable understanding and effective sensitivity to the ideas which was extremely architecutally and intellectually sympathetic,” and perceived that it sought to achieve an ethical and aesthetic revolution.
The board that had ten other architects including Yvonne Farrell of Grafton Architects, considered Ghotmeh to be the most outstanding and selected her for the competition due to her approach.
Ghotmeh’s office that is behind the likes of 2023 Serpentine Pavilion in London and Hermès leather workshop located in Louvier, France, was last year condemned by activist group BP or not BP? for funding the redevolopment of British Museum by BP, which they termed, “one of the largest greenwashing sponsorship deals the sector has ever witnessed.
