National Gallery’s £750m Project Domani: What Locals Need to Know
A New Chapter for Trafalgar Square's Beloved Gallery
One of London's most cherished cultural landmarks is about to undergo its most ambitious transformation in two centuries. The National Gallery, standing proudly on Trafalgar Square — just a short walk from the West End and the vibrant streets of Soho — has announced Project Domani, a sweeping £750 million expansion plan that promises to reshape how Londoners and visitors alike experience fine art. The name itself, Italian for ‘tomorrow', signals the Gallery's forward-looking ambitions. The project centres on a brand-new wing to be constructed on the site of St Vincent House, located immediately north of the existing Sainsbury Wing. The site, which currently accommodates office space and a hotel, was purchased by the Gallery years ago with exactly this kind of development in mind. In September 2025, the Gallery launched an open architectural competition, attracting 65 submissions from some of the world's most celebrated designers, including renowned names such as Norman Foster and Renzo Piano. The winning design was ultimately announced in April 2026. For local residents and regular gallery-goers, this is landmark news — a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see a world-class institution grow right on their doorstep.
The Winning Design: What the New Wing Will Look Like
The architectural competition drew entries from across the globe, but it was the collaboration between Kengo Kuma and Associates — the studio behind Japan's celebrated 2019 National Stadium — alongside firms BDP and MICA, that ultimately won the judges over. Their winning design blends contemporary flair with respectful nods to the Gallery's historic character. The exterior will feature Portland stone, a material that harmonises naturally with much of the existing building's facade, giving the new wing a sense of belonging rather than intrusion. Striking vertical ridges and fins will lend the structure a modern visual identity, while the ground floor will incorporate vaults and arches that echo the architectural language of the original gallery. Upper floors will adopt a more geometric aesthetic, creating a dynamic contrast between old and new. Perhaps most excitingly for local communities, the new wing will include landscaped garden spaces at its entrance and a publicly accessible rooftop garden terrace. Given the Gallery's prime position near Trafalgar Square, this green, elevated space is expected to become an instant favourite among Londoners seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. It is a design that feels both ambitious and deeply considerate of its surroundings.
Modern Art, New Partnerships and What It Means for London
Beyond bricks and mortar, Project Domani carries significant implications for London's wider cultural landscape. For the first time, the National Gallery will extend its collection beyond the year 1900, venturing into modernism — a move that makes it the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to paintings that can offer visitors a complete journey through the entire Western tradition of the art form. This is a meaningful shift for local art lovers who have long had to visit Tate Modern or Tate Britain to explore twentieth-century works. The expansion does represent a departure from a longstanding informal agreement between the National Gallery and Tate, which had previously kept post-1900 paintings firmly in Tate's territory. While Tate's leadership has offered a welcoming public response, the move is widely expected to prompt a rethink of how London's major galleries position themselves and collaborate. For communities across the capital, the promise of more london attractions and exciting london events tied to the Gallery's expanded programme is genuinely good news. The Sainsbury Wing, which reopened in May 2025 following a major rehang of its collection, has already drawn strong local interest — and Project Domani looks set to build powerfully on that renewed enthusiasm.
Source: Project Domani: The Lowdown On The National Gallery's Extension Plans
