The British Museum has taken a significant step forward in its ambitious redevelopment masterplan by issuing contracts worth over £1 million for the third phase of its renovation, the Western Range. This project is part of what the museum's directors have described as the 'biggest cultural renovation' of its kind in the world.
Western Range Renovation: A 'Complete Reimagining'
The Western Range redevelopment will transform a third of the museum's gallery floor space, housing its 'greatest objects from ancient Greece, ancient Egypt, Rome, Assyria and the Middle East'. The plans include state-of-the-art storage facilities and 'engaging' modern architecture. The museum issued the tender for security, IT, and logistics contracts in July, a small but crucial part of the overall project.
The museum, which first opened to the public in 1759, was designed by Sir Robert Smirke in 1823 and completed in 1852. Its iconic colonnade features 43 columns inspired by ancient Ionian ruins, making it Britain's most famous example of Greek Revival architecture. The Grade I listed building attracts six million visitors annually and houses treasures like the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures.
Design and Approvals
In February 2025, designs by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh were selected for the Western Range after an international competition. Official design work began in June 2025 and is expected to finish later this year. In March, Camden Council approved plans for new Welcome Pavilions, which will include security admission buildings for the museum's estimated six million annual visitors, with the south pavilion scheduled to open in 2027.
Funding and Donations
The financing for the entire masterplan is not yet fully secured, relying on a mix of government grants, charity donations, sponsorship, and private fundraising. The Maughan Family have established a dedicated fund for the Western Range. The UK government has committed direct capital support for the new Energy Centre and provided at least £80 million in revenue and capital for the museum's general budget in 2025/26.
At the museum's inaugural Pink Ball in 2025, a gross total of £2.5 million was raised, including £1.6 million from 800 privately sold tickets. Guests included Sir Mick Jagger, the Mayor of London, Maya Jama, and Dame Tracey Emin. The Garfield Weston Foundation pledged an additional £10.3 million towards the Welcome Pavilions. Construction contracts for the Energy Centre Programme, which began in 2024, were valued at £33 million.
The museum has faced criticism from climate groups for accepting £50 million from BP, which has a lecture theatre named after it. At the 2025 Pink Ball, Chair of Trustees George Osborne was confronted by a worker over the sponsorship.
Masterplan Phases
The masterplan includes several phases:
Phase One: Archaeological Research Collection (ARC)
A new facility for storage, study, and lending of objects, in partnership with the University of Reading, located at Thames Valley Science Park. The project cost £64 million and is complete, having opened in 2024.
Phase Two: Energy Centre Programme (ECP)
Modernising the museum's power supply and heating system, expected to save 1,700 tonnes of CO2 annually. The project costs over £33 million, is fully funded by the UK government, and is scheduled for completion by 2029.
Phase Three: Western Range
Rebuilding and restoring 10 buildings, covering a third of gallery floor space, to make them 'suitable for the 21st century'. The cost and timeline are yet to be confirmed.
Welcome Pavilions
Reimagining the two public entrances, replacing existing security tents and barriers. The project has received at least £10.3 million in charitable donations and was approved by Camden's planning committee in March 2026.
According to the museum's annual report, the 'Masterplan' fund stands at £16 million as of March 31, 2026, but delivery of phase three is 'dependent on the ability of the Museum to raise sufficient funds'. A second fundraising ball is scheduled for October 17, 2026, with tickets priced at £3,500 per head.
