Lebanese-French architect Lina Ghotmeh was selected to redesign the Western Range galleries at the British Museum in London, as part of one of the largest cultural renewal projects in the world.
Ghotmeh's studio, LGA, was unanimously chosen for the project after a nine-month competition that received over 60 entries. The British Museum launched the competition last year for the remodeling of its Western Range galleries.
The Western Range galleries, constituting about a third of the museum, house ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Assyrian, and Middle Eastern objects, including the disputed Parthenon Marbles. The redesign will include the section housing these marbles, which Greece has long campaigned to have returned to Athens.
The jury praised Ghotmeh's proposal for its "archaeological approach" and her "deep understanding and sensitivity towards the museum," reported France 24. They considered that she "showed a deep understanding... of the considerations related to the display of collections and the interactions between the pieces and groups of visitors."
"We set out to find the best and I believe we've found her. In Lina Ghotmeh we have an architect who combines a deep sensitivity to the history of our great collection while being a voice for the future," said George Osborne, former Chancellor and Chairman of the British Museum and the judging panel. "Lina and her team have a track record for delivering unique and human-centred design with a timeless elegance. Her design ideas excited and enthused the trustees; when they become real buildings and galleries we know they will excite and enthuse our millions of visitors," he added.
British Museum Director Nicholas Cullinan praised Ghotmeh as "an architect of extraordinary grace and gravitas," noting that her proposal demonstrated an "exceptional and materially sensitive architectural vision for the British Museum."
"My team and I are thrilled to embark on this journey for the renovation of the Western Range of the British Museum," said Ghotmeh, according to France 24. "This competition has been an exciting process shaped by dialogue and multiple voices. I am looking forward to continuing this rich and collaborative process as we work towards transforming this section of the museum into an extraordinary space—a place of connections for the world and of the world," she added.
Among Ghotmeh's notable works is her design of a factory for the luxury goods group Hermès in the Normandy region of France, which opened in 2023. She also designed the National Museum of Estonia in Tartu while collaborating with Ateliers Jean Nouvel and Foster & Partners, and the Stone Garden housing building in Beirut, where she grew up.
Abstract models of Ghotmeh's designs show a pared-back layout with artifacts surrounded by wide spaces and archways. The Hermès leather workshop features archways made of bricks.
The Parthenon Marbles remain a point of contention between London and Athens. Greek authorities maintain that the marbles were looted in 1802 by Lord Elgin, British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. The dispute over the Parthenon Marbles affects relations between London and Athens, and the British Museum has announced that it is having constructive discussions with Athens regarding a long-term partnership about these artifacts.
In her competition submission for the British Museum, Ghotmeh stated she wanted to "reimagine together, sharing in a connected history to help build a collected future coloured with diversity."
The final design approach, in collaboration with artist Ali Cherri, Plan A, Purcell, Holmes Studio, and Arup, is expected to be shared by mid-2026.
Ghotmeh compared the project to an archaeological dig.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.