Critics of the development plans for the British Museum’s grounds have argued that the proposed new security buildings would appear “overly extravagant” and liken them to “a retail space and wine bar.”
The renowned London museum aims to replace the anti-terrorism tents situated near its entrance with two new structures and transform its front lawn into a “Mediterranean” botanical garden.
The museum’s trustees assert that the new pavilions would enhance visitor experience by reducing wait times and streamlining security checks while introducing a new “living collection” that connects to the extensive history housed within the museum.
However, preservation organizations worry that the project may compromise the museum’s Greek architectural style and have urged Camden Council to reject the plans.
As a Grade I listed institution, the museum attracts six million visitors annually and is home to significant artifacts such as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures, with plans to temporarily exhibit the Bayeux Tapestry soon.
First opened in 1759, the museum is widely regarded as the most prominent example of Greek Revival architecture in the UK. Designed by Sir Robert Smirke, its colonnade features 44 columns inspired by ancient Ionian ruins in Athens and Priene.
The Georgian Group argues that the proposals, submitted late last year, betray the original architectural vision for the museum.
They contend that the addition of pavilions on one side of the building would disrupt its symmetry and compromise its “strong and meticulously designed” architectural features.
The conservation group stated, “While we acknowledge the operational difficulties faced by the museum, we believe these proposals would inflict an unacceptable level of damage on this globally significant site.”
The Victorian Society has also expressed opposition, claiming that the “flashy” designs of the pavilions “look like a shop and wine bar,” and criticized the museum for disregarding previous feedback on the plans.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the two pavilions would each feature security lanes equipped with “state-of-the-art” scanners to screen visitors without requiring them to remove items from their bags.
Additionally, the museum plans to reopen its historic gates, which is expected to alleviate congestion at the entrance.
The British Museum acknowledged that the proposed changes would result in a “low degree of less than substantial harm,” but argued that these changes are necessary to protect its interior and reduce clutter caused by security barriers.
They further indicated that these installations would be temporary, lasting up to a decade while the trust works on a comprehensive £1 billion masterplan to redevelop the entire museum.
The trust’s proposals are anticipated to be reviewed by the local authority’s planning committee in February.
