I was privileged to visit the newly redesigned Sainsbury Wing at the National Gallery before it reopened to the public. Before I talk about the interior I have to mention the thing that excited me the most: Mud Sun, a newly commissioned piece by Richard Long, installed at the top of the stairs.
There has been criticism about the redesign as would be expected. Yes, parts of it do remind one of an airport terminal but I think it works. The challenge for Selldorf Architects (headed by Annabel Selldorf, working with UK practice Purcell), was for the museum to manage an increase in annual visitors from 3 million in the 80s to about 6 million now.
The space is 60% larger than before and fully accessible – no steps before entering what has become the main entrance. An unmissable gallery map is on the left as soon as you walk in.
There is space and light which was previously lacking and you can easily see where everything is.
We stopped for a drink at the small espresso bar then sat down to absorb the surroundings. A massive screen shows paintings in detail with their location with a small information desk close by.
The stone cladding is warm, even soothing.
We appreciated the quality of detailing, so important for any project, from the covered powerpoints to the mirrored cupboard doors in the mezzanine shop.
Even the elegant book rest on a counter.
And I haven’t mentioned the rehang which is simply glorious. We are so lucky in this country to have free access to one of the best museums in the world.