Image: Initial concept design, the pavilion resets the visitor’s relationship with the forecourt and landscape. (c) Studio Weave
Studio Weave leads winning team to design British Museum’s new visitor pavilions, balancing historic preservation with landscaping and climate considerations for 2026 completion.
The British Museum has announced the winner of its competition to design new visitor welcome pavilions as its central London site.
The chosen project was submitted by a team led by Studio Weave, with Wright & Wright Architects, Webb Yates Engineers, Tom Massey Studio and Daisy Froud.
The team will now work with the British Museum and local partners to develop the designs and prepare a planning application, with new pavilions expected to be in place by spring 2026.
The plans are part of the museum’s longer-term Masterplan, a programme of capital projects which will renovate the museum’s Camden site, build new storage and research facilities near Reading.
The winning design team will work with a consultant team appointed through a separate procurement process. Aecom will provide multi-disciplinary engineering services, Gardiner & Theobald will act as cost consultant, and Turner and Townsend as project manager.
Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum, said: “With the visitor welcome pavilions we’re striving to create the most inspiring greeting possible for the 6.2 million people (and counting) from across the nation and around the world who come through our doors each year – whether it’s their first visit or fifteenth, aged 5 or 95.
“We were very impressed by Studio Weave’s initial proposals. They perfectly balance a thoughtful visitor experience while remaining true to the British Museum’s historic building. I’m delighted to be working with them, and I look forward to leading the development of the designs in consultation with the London Borough of Camden and other key stakeholders to create something very special for everyone.”
Je Ahn, Founding Director of Studio Weave, said: “Our proposal aims to resolve complex issues on the site. The project will preserve the appearance of the historic Grade I listed buildings, address the changing climate and look forward to the future of the institution.
“It will also introduce new soft landscaping and plants, dotted with engaging installations— encouraging curiosity and becoming a memorable highlight of every visit.”
