Project Domani, National Gallery
A transformative new cultural destination that expands the National Gallery’s collection, strengthens its connection to the city, and reimagines its future for the next century.MICA is part of the team selected to deliver Project Domani, the National Gallery’s landmark £750 million transformation and one of the most significant cultural projects currently underway anywhere in the world. Working alongside Kengo Kuma & Associates and BDP, MICA is contributing to a vision that will redefine the Gallery and its collection for the next century.
The project will deliver a new gallery building on the final undeveloped part of the National Gallery campus, at St Vincent House between Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square. Designed in collaboration, the new building will create much-needed space for an expanded collection while establishing stronger connections between the Gallery and the public realm. New landscaped civic spaces, a roof garden and enhanced pedestrian routes will create a welcoming and accessible cultural destination at the heart of London.
The competition-winning proposal was praised by the jury for being “innovative and beautiful”, balancing ambition with sensitivity to the historic setting. The design responds respectfully to the existing Sainsbury Wing while introducing a generous public presence defined by greenery, carefully considered external spaces and a strong relationship with Leicester Square. Through the use of Portland stone and a considered, stepped massing strategy, the scheme enhances the surrounding streetscape while allowing natural light to permeate the building.
Project Domani will enable the National Gallery to broaden the story it tells, extending its world-renowned collection beyond the early 20th century to include major works from the modern and contemporary eras. By bringing these collections together under one roof, the project will offer visitors a richer understanding of the development of painting across more than seven centuries.
Beyond the physical expansion, the project is also a commitment to research, learning, public engagement and community partnership. Through new programmes, educational initiatives and cultural collaborations, Project Domani aims to reach new audiences while creating fresh ways for existing visitors to engage with art.
