National Gallery celebrated its 200th anniversary in May this year in magnificent style with both private and public events. There are much more to come with its bicentenary build project underway, part of which the National Gallery is creating visionary spaces for venue hire…
The main image is a visualisation of the view from Trafalgar Square approaching the Sainsbury Wing, with new transparent glass, reconfigured gates, and new seating. Image: Selldorf Architects.
As the National Gallery celebrates its 200th year, the £85million capital build projects are underway, including new and exciting venue hire opportunities.
With bold and diverse developments due for completion by May 2025, the investment is set to enhance and modernise commercial event experiences at the Gallery.
National Gallery to create visionary spaces for venue hire
Conceived to improve the welcome given to all visitors to the National Gallery, sensitive interventions to the Grade I listed Sainsbury Wing are planned. These will include a reconfiguration of the ground floor entrance and creation of new spaces that will provide an experience for commercial events befitting a world-class institution. New technologies including a vast digital welcome wall can include bespoke client welcome messaging and branding during out of hours commercial events.
The new mezzanine level, with a circular, statement bar as a focus point, will provide a visually impactful space for pre-dinner gatherings overlooking Trafalgar Square.
New day time venue hire will launch part of the plan
Additionally, the 322-seater lecture theatre will reopen with a fully accessible main stage, and state-of-the-art AV facilities for presentations, conferences, film screenings, award ceremonies, product launches, and more. The lecture theatre foyer can be included for receptions, networking, and catering. New daytime event spaces will also reopen on the first floor for business meetings and events with upgraded AV facilities.
The ground floor of the historic Wilkins Building will be home to a new Supporters House, with dedicated spaces for the Gallery supporters and members. Out of hours, this space will also be available for venue hire. With a separate entrance from Trafalgar Square, it also has its own restaurant, bar, private dining room, lounge, and event space for up to 100 guests.
A new and transformed Centre for Creative Learning can also be used for commercial events out of hours, with direct access into the North Galleries for unique settings for memorable events surrounded by masterpieces.
These ambitious and forward-thinking investment projects allow for greater sustainability, to ensure the National Gallery’s long-lasting success over the next 200 years. Innovations, such as enhancing natural light and ventilation within the redevelopment, will facilitate a reduction in energy consumption. Construction plans have incorporated a ‘re-use first’ approach to sourcing environmentally sustainable materials.
Speaking on the importance of the developments, Clare Arouche, Head of Events & Hospitality at the National Gallery said: “This visionary investment will introduce a new chapter for commercial events that celebrates the best of both our Gallery’s history, and its exciting future. With digital enhancements, versatile spaces, and luxurious amenities, we are creating an environment that fosters creativity, innovation and collaboration for unforgettable experiences.
“These projects underscore our commitment to excellence and position the Gallery as both the premier destination to see some of the greatest paintings in the world, but also for business meetings, conferences, dinners, galas and more, ensuring that every occasion is executed flawlessly and leaves a lasting impression.”
While work is carried out, the public Gallery spaces continue to be available for morning and evening commercial event hire.
About National Gallery Global Limited:
National Gallery Global Limited‘s primary purpose is to generate income for the National Gallery, through a number of commercial operations. The main business is to run the Gallery’s cafés, restaurant and shops, in Trafalgar Square and online, and to publish books, license images worldwide and hire spaces for entertaining. The Company acts as the Gallery’s agent for ticketed exhibitions and events and runs the National Gallery Membership Scheme.
All to enhance the visitor experience in the Gallery and effectively reach national and global markets beyond the Gallery.
Every purchase generates valuable revenue for the Gallery to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the paintings as we do today.
More information at shop.nationalgallery.org.uk
We spoke to Clare Arouche, Head of Events and Hospitality, on the eve of the National Gallery’s 200th birthday.
