World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre

World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre
Name	World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre
Location	Great Russell Street, London, United Kingdom
Building type	Museum facility
Architectural style	Contemporary
Owner	British Museum
Completion date	2014
Architect	Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
Structural engineer	Arup Group
Main contractor	Mace

World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre. The World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre is a major purpose-built facility located within the Bloomsbury estate of the British Museum in London. Opened in 2014, it consolidates state-of-the-art conservation studios, scientific research laboratories, and expansive temporary exhibition galleries under one roof. The centre represents a significant architectural and functional expansion of the museum's capabilities, supporting its global role in preservation, research, and public engagement.

History and development

The project was initiated to address critical space shortages and modernize the infrastructure for the British Museum's internationally renowned conservation and scientific research departments. Planning gained momentum in the 2000s, with funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and a major donation from the Sainsbury family trusts. The development required the demolition of several post-war structures on the museum's northwest corner, a site historically occupied by the King Edward VII Galleries. Construction, managed by Mace, began in 2012 and was completed in late 2014, with the facility opening to staff and for exhibitions in 2015. The project was part of the museum's broader masterplan, which also included the renovation of the Round Reading Room and other public spaces.

Architecture and design

Designed by the prestigious firm Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the architecture is distinctly contemporary while respecting the historic context of the British Museum and the surrounding Bloomsbury conservation area. The exterior features a façade of Portland stone and glass, with a prominent bronze-coloured brise soleil that provides solar shading. The structural engineering was led by Arup Group, renowned for innovative solutions in cultural projects. Internally, the design prioritizes flexibility and natural light, with a central atrium connecting the various functional zones. The building's form and materials were carefully chosen to create a dialogue with the adjacent King's Library and the main Greek Revival building designed by Robert Smirke.

Facilities and functions

The centre houses some of the world's most advanced conservation and science laboratories, supporting work on the museum's vast collections spanning from Ancient Egypt to Medieval Europe. Key facilities include dedicated studios for organic materials, stone, and metals, alongside a suite of analytical laboratories equipped for techniques like X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. A large, column-free temporary exhibition space, the Joseph Hotung Great Court Gallery, provides over 1,000 square meters for major international shows. The building also contains vital support spaces, including a high-security loading bay, exhibition preparation workshops, and integrated environmental controls to protect sensitive artifacts.

Major exhibitions and projects

The centre's exhibition gallery has hosted a series of acclaimed and often record-breaking shows since its inauguration. These have included Sunken cities: Egypt’s lost worlds, which showcased discoveries from the underwater archaeological sites of Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus, and I am Ashurbanipal: king of the world, king of Assyria, which explored the Neo-Assyrian Empire. The conservation studios have been instrumental in major research projects, such as the technical study of the Parthenon Sculptures and the preservation of the Royal Gold Cup. These projects frequently involve collaboration with institutions like the Getty Conservation Institute and universities worldwide.

Role in the British Museum

The centre is a strategic hub that fundamentally enhances the British Museum's core missions. It enables the institution to stage large-scale, complex temporary exhibitions that attract global audiences, while simultaneously providing a centralized, cutting-edge base for its Conservation and Scientific Research department. This department is crucial for the long-term care of the collection, for authenticating objects, and for pioneering new preservation techniques. The co-location of these functions fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between curators, scientists, and conservators, strengthening the museum's academic output and its reputation as a leader in museum studies.

Sustainability and environmental features

Environmental performance was a key design driver, aiming for a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating. The building incorporates a high-performance façade with the brise soleil to minimize solar gain, significantly reducing cooling demands. A combined cooling, heat, and power plant increases energy efficiency, while a green roof aids with biodiversity and stormwater management. Internally, the laboratories and storage areas utilize precise, low-energy climate control systems essential for preserving artifacts. These features align with the sustainability policies of the British Museum and reflect broader industry commitments led by organizations like ICOM.

Category:British Museum Category:Buildings and structures in the London Borough of Camden Category:2014 establishments in the United Kingdom Category:Conservation and restoration of cultural heritage