British Museum Selects Lina Ghotmeh for Western Range Renovation

Lebanese-born architect Lina Ghotmeh has been selected to redesign the British Museum's Western Range galleries in a significant renovation project aimed at modernizing the museum while preserving its historical integrity. The competition attracted over 60 teams, with Ghotmeh's sensitivity to the museum's history and her 'archaeological' approach to design ultimately securing her the win. The project will cover approximately 15,650 square meters, involving a third of the gallery space, with initial designs expected by mid-2026. British Museum chairman George Osborne praised Ghotmeh as a standout architect capable of transforming the museum into a space that excites visitors. The renovation forms part of a broader masterplan to enhance visitor experience and address issues like inadequate air cooling in the current galleries. While works will commence in the coming years, the museum plans to remain open throughout the process, albeit with some galleries temporarily closed or relocated.