One of the most beloved attractions in London has unveiled plans for expansion following a remarkable £375 million commitment from private benefactors.
The National Gallery announced that this amount includes “the two largest single cash donations ever publicly reported to a museum or gallery worldwide.”
To further its initiative, the gallery has initiated an international architectural contest aimed at designing an additional wing for its enhanced collection.
This new section will be constructed on the last available portion of the existing campus, with the goal of rejuvenating the space between Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square, offering a lively and modern experience for visitors.
Out of the £375 million secured to date, £150 million originates from Crankstart, the philanthropic foundation established by Sir Michael Moritz and his spouse, Harriet Heyman, while another £150 million comes from the Julia Rausing Trust.
Sir Hans Rausing, a founding trustee, remarked: “My late wife Julia was a fervent advocate for the National Gallery and its mission to make exceptional art accessible to everyone.
“She would have fully endorsed the vision and ambitions of this undertaking, understanding its power to enhance the appreciation and understanding of art, and to strengthen the gallery’s prominence on the global stage.
“This contribution is made in her honor, so that others may experience the same wonder and inspiration in art that she cherished.”
An additional £75 million is being provided by the National Gallery Trust, along with support from the gallery’s chairman of trustees, John Booth, and several anonymous donors.
This funding will not only aid the gallery in broadening its historic collection but also marks the inception of an exciting new partnership with Tate and other museums across the United Kingdom and globally, as stated by the institution.
Established by Parliament in 1824, the gallery, which offers free admission, showcases the nation’s collection of paintings that span the Western European tradition from the late 13th century to the early 20th century.
Its collection features masterpieces by renowned artists such as Cézanne, Degas, Da Vinci, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Titian, Turner, Van Dyck, Van Gogh, and Velázquez.
The director of the National Gallery, Sir Gabriele Finaldi, expressed his excitement about these developments, stating his deep gratitude to the donors for their unprecedented support as the institution embarks on its third century.
He further remarked: “With our bicentenary celebrations now complete, the National Gallery looks ahead.
“We aspire to be the destination where both the UK public and visitors from around the world can relish in the finest collection of paintings, ranging from medieval times to the present day, within an outstanding architectural environment.”
