NEW galleries are to open at the Scottish National Gallery in September as ‘one of the most complex’ engineering projects undertaken in a heritage building in the country nears completion.
Hoskins Architects is behind the design of the new space at the Edinburgh facility, with construction on the £38.62 million project first getting underway in October 2018.
The first phase was completed in 2019, bringing a new entrance area in East Princes Street Gardens, café, refurbished restaurant and shop, sandstone terrace, and landscaping and paths.
Describing the construction as ‘complex’, the National Galleries of Scotland explained that it sits within a World Heritage Site and the galleries are part of an iconic A-listed 19th century building with several modern additions from the late 1960s onwards.
The creation of the new gallery spaces involved ‘extensive’ excavations underneath the existing building and its setting on the Mound. Furthermore, The National is also sited above three rail tunnels, some of which are the busiest in Scotland.
Once complete, the spaces will be home to key works from the nation’s historic art collection, with it offering more than double the physical display space and transforming the visitor experience.
The vision for the project has been driven by an ambition to ensure that the greatest number of people can enjoy key works that tell the fascinating story of Scottish art. The new fully accessible galleries will be entered directly from the adjoining East Princes Street Gardens and are free for all to explore.
Large windows will offer ‘spectacular’ views over the city, enticing visitors to come in and discover the work of pioneering Scottish artists such as William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys.
Director-general of the National Galleries of Scotland, Sir John Leighton, said, “This project has been driven by an ambition to transform the experience of visiting the National and to show the extraordinary collections of Scottish art with pride in beautiful, new, light-filled spaces.
“We believe that we have created a National Gallery that is more open, engaging and inviting than ever before. Whether immersing themselves in the highly Romantic paintings of the Scottish Highlands, taking part in a family day or just enjoying the views, all are welcome to come and discover.
“We are incredibly grateful to all our funders including the Scottish Government, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, key trusts and foundations, our Patrons, American Patrons and Friends as well as the many private individuals and donors who have been so generous in supporting this project.”
Culture minister Christina McKelvie added, “The National Galleries of Scotland has the world’s finest collection of Scottish Art and I’m delighted that the new galleries will now have space to show this off to a wide national and international public. We have supported this redevelopment project from the start with a significant contribution of £15.25 million and it’s wonderful to see this will open soon so the public can enjoy these new galleries.”
