National Gallery’s New Wing To Be Designed By Japanese Architect

The National Gallery in London has officially entered its "Domani" era. On April 8, 2026 the gallery announced that legendary Japanese architect Kengo Kuma (of Tokyo Olympic Stadium and V&A Dundee fame) has won the international competition to design its newest wing.

This isn't just an extension; it is the most significant transformation in the Gallery's 200-year history. Dubbed Project Domani (Italian for "tomorrow"), the expansion aims to bridge the gap between the past and the future of Western art.

The Vision: A "Handshake" Between Eras

Kuma’s design—developed alongside UK firms BDP and MICA—was chosen unanimously over heavyweights like Norman Foster and Renzo Piano. The jury praised the design for being "innovative and beautiful," specifically highlighting its ability to respect the existing architecture while introducing something entirely fresh.

Portland Stone Cladding: The exterior will use the same iconic stone as the original 19th-century Wilkins Building, ensuring it feels like a natural part of the Trafalgar Square family.

The "Green Waterfall": Much like Kuma’s signature style, the building will feature a public roof garden and landscaped terraces, offering lush greenery and views over Leicester Square.

A New Interior Flow: The main floor will mirror the vaulted arches of the Sainsbury Wing, while the upper floor will shift into a modern, geometric design.

Breaking the "1900 Rule"

The biggest headline isn't just the building, but what’s going inside it. For the first time, the National Gallery will expand its collection beyond the year 1900.

By housing 20th and 21st-century works (including major loans from the Tate), the Gallery will become the only museum in the world where visitors can view the entire history of Western painting in a single continuous timeline.

National Gallery’s Project Domani fast facts:

Total Investment: £750 million overall, with £375 million dedicated specifically to the new wing.

Expansion Size: 2,300 square meters of new area (1,500 for permanent collections and 800 for temporary exhibitions).

Location: Situated at the St Vincent House site, directly north of the current Sainsbury Wing.

Completion Date: Scheduled to open to the public in the early 2030s.

Why This Matters

For years, the site behind the gallery was a point of contention (once famously called a "monstrous carbuncle" by King Charles III in a previous iteration). Kuma’s design seems to have finally cracked the code, offering a "supple and elegant" solution that brings a touch of Japanese minimalism to the heart of London.

With £300 million already secured from donors like the Julia Rausing Trust and Crankstart, the path is clear for the National Gallery to finally claim its full "tomorrow."