The British Museum has taken a significant step toward its long-term transformation by selecting Lebanese-born architect Lina Ghotmeh to redesign a third of its gallery space.
Her firm, Lina Ghotmeh Architecture (LGA), won the prestigious competition to renovate the museum’s Western Range, which houses some of the world’s most treasured historical artifacts, including ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Assyrian, and Middle Eastern objects.
This ambitious project is set to redefine the way visitors experience the museum, blending history with modernity while creating a more inclusive and immersive space.
A Vision Rooted in Archaeology and Connection
Lina Ghotmeh’s approach to architecture is deeply influenced by her background and training, as well as her personal connection to history and archaeology.
Born and raised in Beirut, a city with a rich yet turbulent past, she has always been fascinated by the layers of history embedded in architecture. Her work is known for embracing history while reimagining the future, and she describes her approach as “an archaeological dig,” unearthing the past to inform contemporary design.
For the British Museum, Ghotmeh aims to transform the Western Range galleries into a “place of connections for the world and of the world.”
Her winning proposal presents an elegant, minimalist design that highlights the beauty of historical artifacts while creating a seamless and engaging visitor experience. The design features flowing spaces and archways that encourage movement and exploration, allowing museum-goers to interact with the exhibits in a more natural and meaningful way.
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Ghotmeh’s proposal was chosen from over 60 entries, impressing the panel with its sensitivity to the museum’s history and its innovative approach to storytelling through architecture.
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Her collaboration with artist Ali Cherri, along with firms like Plan A, Purcell, Holmes Studio, and Arup, further strengthens the project’s vision of blending artistic, historical, and architectural expertise.
The Significance of the Western Range Redesign
The Western Range is one of the most historically significant sections of the British Museum, housing some of its most prized collections.
Among the artifacts displayed are the controversial Elgin Marbles, a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures that Greece has long demanded to be returned. This section also features important relics from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Rome, offering visitors a glimpse into the civilizations that shaped the world.
By redesigning this space, the British Museum is making a statement about its commitment to modernization and inclusivity. The museum has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of colonial-era artifacts and the need to create more engaging, accessible exhibitions. Ghotmeh’s design is expected to address these concerns by rethinking how objects are displayed and how stories are told within the galleries.
The museum’s leadership has expressed confidence that Ghotmeh’s work will breathe new life into these historic spaces. Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum, emphasized that the project represents not just a physical transformation but an “intellectual transformation” as well. The goal is to create a museum experience that resonates with diverse audiences while respecting the legacy of the institution.
Former British Chancellor George Osborne, who chaired the judging panel, praised Ghotmeh’s ability to balance history with innovation. He described her as a “standout winner” whose ideas excited and inspired the trustees.
He also expressed confidence that, once completed, the redesigned galleries will captivate visitors just as the museum did when it was first established nearly 200 years ago.
Lina Ghotmeh’s Architectural Legacy and Future Prospects
Lina Ghotmeh is no stranger to ambitious and historically significant projects. She has built an international reputation for her ability to merge architecture with history, culture, and sustainability.
Some of her most notable projects include the Estonian National Museum in Tartu, which seamlessly integrates into its landscape, and the Stone Garden Housing in Beirut, which reflects the resilience of the city and its people.
More recently, she completed the Hermes Leather Workshop in Louviers, Normandy, an architectural marvel featuring intricate brick archways that pay homage to traditional craftsmanship.
Her work is characterized by a deep respect for the past and a keen awareness of how architecture can shape human experiences. She has often spoken about the importance of creating spaces that foster connection and dialogue, and her selection for the British Museum project is a testament to her ability to translate these principles into meaningful designs.
For Ghotmeh, the British Museum project is an opportunity to contribute to an institution that serves as a bridge between cultures and generations.
She has expressed her excitement about the collaborative process, emphasizing the importance of engaging multiple voices in the design journey. Her approach aligns with the museum’s vision of making history more accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.
Looking ahead, the final design approach will be shared by mid-2026, with construction expected to follow soon after. The transformation of the Western Range is part of a broader effort to reimagine the British Museum for the 21st century, ensuring that it remains a leading cultural institution for generations to come.
Lina Ghotmeh’s selection marks a historic moment not only for her career but also for the British Museum’s evolution. Her ability to blend archaeology, architecture, and storytelling is set to redefine how we engage with the past, making history more immersive and interconnected than ever before.
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