National Portrait Gallery
Transforming the world's oldest portrait gallery
Working as collaborating architects throughout all RIBA stages alongside Jamie Fobert Architects, Purcell was instrumental in the most significant transformation of the National Portrait Gallery since it opened in 1896.
Purcell led on all heritage interventions to the Grade I-listed building to interpret a strategy of reorientation, restoration and renewal that places the public at the heart of the gallery experience.
NPG Director, Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, commissioned the project under his ‘Inspiring People’ initiative. Supported by a major National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, the transformation has increased public space by 18%, improved accessibility and rethought the ethos of the entire collection, while reinstating the architectural integrity of Ewan Christian’s building.
Turning to face the city
The original entrance faced a narrow pavement on St Martin’s Place, with the gallery turning its back on what was then a less appealing part of London. Purcell helped create a new fully accessible entrance on the north façade, connecting with Charing Cross Road and Soho.
Transforming three historic windows into 4m-high bronze entrance doors – etched with artwork by Tracey Emin – makes a dramatic yet dignified arrival point. It opens onto a generous new forecourt and plaza, offering a clearer, more usable gateway to the gallery.
These changes address decades of inadequate access and inclusivity. There has been a 300% increase in disabled visitors since the reopening.
‘Invisible mending at it’s finest’, Oliver Wainwright, Architecture Critic, The Guardian
Simplifying circulation and flow
Inside, the new foyer is more than double the size of the original. By removing internal walls and reinforcing the space with four load-bearing beams, the design team created an open, welcoming space containing busts on plinths, introducing visitors to art from the moment they step inside.
Purcell sensitively renovated Christian’s original mosaic flooring, which sits alongside new terrazzo inspired by Christian’s historic directional motifs and Carlo Scarpa’s celebrated designs. Restored windows and reopened rooflights allow natural light to flood in, and new connections between wings improve visitor flow throughout.
In a comprehensive restoration of the Victorian galleries, Purcell reinstated Christian’s cruciform layout, reconnecting them with the newer Ondaatje Wing. We meticulously repaired or replicated historic features, including teak floors and joinery, while the refreshed colour palette – developed with Nissen Richards Studio – complements the redisplayed collection.
The Weston Wing, long relegated to offices, now fulfils its intended function, underscored by the stunning original red terrazzo floor that Purcell revealed and sympathetically restored. The now climate-controlled gallery also has an extended café area, supporting longer dwell times. Another key component is the Mildred and Simon Palley Learning Centre, previously tucked away in a basement corner. The space has been opened up and expanded to span three purpose-built studios with gallery-standard lighting, digital equipment, and a courtyard garden.
This inspiring environment responds directly to audience consultation and the client’s ambition to broaden learning access across all ages and communities.
Transformation in numbers
300%
increase in disabled visitors since opening
18%
increase in public space
950m²
underused space transformed into public areas
Working with the building
Throughout the project, Purcell’s approach was guided by Ewan Christian’s architectural language and intent. Working closely with the gallery’s curators, visitor teams and design partners, we ensured each intervention respected the building while enhancing future use.
Every design move – whether visible or behind the scenes – was about making the building feel intuitive, inclusive and socially valid. When reconfiguring the collection display, we considered how the gallery engaged with the public both physically and intellectually.
Delivery and legacy
Sustainability was built into our strategy – we created only 42m² of new build but transformed an underused 950m² into public space. The £41m transformation was completed on time and to budget, despite the challenges of delivering through the COVID-19 pandemic and global market disruption.
The client wanted the gallery to be more welcoming, more accessible, and to draw in a more diverse range of visitors, making it relevant for future generations. Purcell and Jamie Fobert Architects have jointly led a confident, cohesive rebranding of a national institution that celebrates its past while meeting the needs of a 21st-century society.
– Pamela Buxton, RIBA Journal
Team
- Elizabeth Smith Chairman
- Nick Chantarasak Associate
Details
- Client National Portrait Gallery
- Team Purcell, Jamie Fobert Architects, Nissen Richards Studio
- Location London
- Country United Kingdon
- Listing Status Grade I
- Photography Olivier Hess; Jim Stephenson
Awards
- Civic Trust Awards Won 2025
- Selwyn Goldsmith Award for Universal Design Shortlisted 2025
- RIBA National Award Won 2024
- RIBA London Award Won 2024
- RIBA Stirling Prize Shortlisted 2024
- Architectural Review: AR Public Awards Shortlisted 2024
- Art Fund Museum of the Year Shortlisted 2024
