The National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing reopens with Royal ceremony and a world-class welcome
The Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery has officially reopened following a two-year transformation, marked by a royal visit from Their Majesties, The King and Queen, on 6 May 2025. Their visit coincided with the second anniversary of King Charles III’s coronation, and was held in honour of the National Gallery’s 200th anniversary. During the reopening, Their Majesties viewed commemorative inscriptions and toured the newly reconfigured spaces, as well as highlights from C C Land: The Wonder of Art, a major rehang of the Gallery’s collection. They also unveiled the newly commissioned Coronation State Portraits by Peter Kuhfeld and Paul S. Benney.
Their Majesties, The King and Queen reopen the National Gallery Sainsbury Wing © His Majesty King Charles III, 2025. Photograph: The National Gallery, London
Designed by New York-based Selldorf Architects in collaboration with Purcell, the renovation has sensitively reimagined the Sainsbury Wing while preserving its iconic postmodern character. The transformation has included the creation of a more generous and transparent entrance space, allowing passersby to glimpse into the Gallery from Trafalgar Square for the first time. The foyer now features a soaring double-height space, state-of-the-art 16K screen, new café and restaurant by Giorgio Locatelli, and a redesigned bookshop. Together, these elements deliver a greatly enhanced visitor experience at one of the world’s most celebrated cultural landmarks.
Sainbury Wing at the National Gallery. Image by Edmund Sumner. © The National Gallery, London.
As part of the reopening, key artworks from the Royal Collection, including Mantegna’s Triumphs of Caesar, were displayed in The Wonder of Art, a once-in-a-generation exhibition that charts the evolution of Western European painting. Their Majesties also visited the Roden Centre for Creative Learning – now one of the largest dedicated gallery learning spaces in the UK – and toured the fully refurbished Piggot Theatre. The upgrades extend the National Gallery’s commitment to accessibility and engagement for diverse audiences, with programmes like Articulation for young people highlighted during the visit.
Sainbury Wing at the National Gallery. Image by Edmund Sumner. © The National Gallery, London.
National Gallery Director Sir Gabriele Finaldi praised the reopening as “a fitting introduction to the magnificent gallery spaces”, and credited the generous support of donors, including The Linbury Trust and The Headley Trust, for making the NG200 Welcome Project possible. Architect Annabelle Selldorf emphasised her goal of creating a “light-filled and seamless experience”, while Arts Minister Chris Bryant called the transformation “a makeover of national significance”. The newly reimagined Sainsbury Wing opens to the public on 10 May 2025, welcoming millions to explore the Gallery’s world-renowned collection in a space that’s as inspiring as the art it houses.
Date: opening from 10 May 2025. Location: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN. nationalgallery.org.uk
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