Iconic UK museum unveils transformation after three-year upgrade

When the UK’s famed National Portrait Gallery announced in 2019 that it was closing for three years, it took many by surprise. Its renovation plans were widely known, but it was thought the popular London attraction would keep sections open while works took place in others.

Little did anyone know that a good chunk of the hiatus time would coincide with the forced closure of many other venerable institutions due to the pandemic.

Now, when the NPG reopens June 22, the extent of the Jamie Fobert Architects’ and Purcell Architects’ reimagining of the Grade I-listed 127-year-old gallery on St Martin’s Place will perhaps explain the reasons behind the full closure. Changes are significant.

The replacement of the original front door that was almost hidden on the edifice’s eastern facade, is the headline of the £35.5 million ($68 million) redevelopment (at least, that was the declared cost at the outset). Entrance is now via a new, much wider and more welcoming portal on the north side featuring bronze doors inlaid with depictions of the London West End theatre district, away from which the gallery was originally deliberately oriented.

It is accompanied by a 14-metre‑wide bridge across a light well that leads the public into the lobby and onto new pathways which meander through, and invite new engagement with the biggest and most significant collection of portraits in the world, comprising more than 220,000 pieces dating from the 8th century.

Light and energy have been infused into the 1896, Ewan Christian-designed landmark, spaces previously used for offices and other administrative purposes have been claimed for public use, there’s a new wing and the collection has been completely rehanged.

It remains in chronological order, but offers thematic routes following threads such as LGBTQ+-relevant subjects in works.

Other changes include vastly increased educational facilities.