LG—A, led by the multi-award-winning architect Lina Ghotmeh, was praised for its deep understanding and sensitivity towards the Museum, the complexity of displaying collections, and the interaction of artefacts with diverse visitor groups. Ghotmeh’s vision particularly resonated with the panel due to its ‘archaeological’ approach to architectural design.
Born in Lebanon, Ghotmeh likens each new project to an archaeological excavation—studying a building’s past to reimagine its future, with sustainability at its core and a strong emphasis on natural materials. The panel found this philosophy deeply aligned with the Museum’s collection, which spans two million years of human history.
Ghotmeh’s practice is well-versed in major commissions and has an impressive record of delivering significant cultural landmarks. Her work includes the recently completed Hermès Leather Workshop in Louviers, Normandy, which opened in 2023, and the Estonian National Museum in Tartu. She has received and been nominated for prestigious awards, including the Schelling Architecture Prize (2020) and the Mies van der Rohe Award (2017).
Lina Ghotmeh and Nicholas Cullinan in the Western Range. Photograph courtesy of The Trustees of the British Museum.
“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. We had many outstanding entries – and I thank the other practices for all their hard work – but I can say as chair of the judging panel, she was the standout winner. 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. When we moved into our current buildings years ago, 200 years ago the world was wowed. I believe they will be wowed again when this transformation of our great sculpture galleries, and much more, is complete.”
George Osborne, Chairman of the British Museum and Chair of the Judging Panel.
"Lina Ghotmeh is an architect of extraordinary grace and gravitas. Her team’s proposals demonstrated an exceptional and materially sensitive architectural vision for the British Museum, and their ‘archaeological’ approach clearly understood the ambition for this project to be as much an intellectual transformation as an architectural one. Lina and her team have a track record for delivering unique and human-centred design with a timeless elegance. I am delighted we will be working together and excited for the years ahead at such a pivotal chapter for the Museum, embarking on a generationally significant project that will transform a third of our gallery space.”
Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum
Model submitted by Lina Ghotmeh Architecture for competition.
“My team and I are thrilled to embark on this journey for the renovation of the Western Range of the British Museum. 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.”
“My gratitude to Dr. Nicholas Cullinan – Director of the British Museum, to George Osborne, Chairman of the British Museum and chairman of the jury as well as all the esteemed members of the jury for their trust in selecting our diverse team. We are honored to contribute to this holistic and publicly engaging transformation that will shape the museum’s future in the years to come.”
Lina Ghotmeh
