Studio Weave to replace British Museum’s ugly security sheds with elegant designs

The ugly security sheds that have despoiled the entrances to the British Museum should be gone by early 2026, as the museum has awarded Studio Weave a design contract to replace them with something more fitting for the national museum.

Following an architectural competition, the chosen project was submitted by a team led by Studio Weave, with Wright & Wright Architects, Webb Yates Engineers, Tom Massey Studio and Daisy Froud.

The team will now work with the British Museum and local partners to develop the designs and prepare a planning application. The new pavilions are expected to be in place by spring 2026.

Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum, said: “We were very impressed by Studio Weave’s initial proposals. They perfectly balance a thoughtful visitor experience while remaining true to the British Museum’s historic building. I’m delighted to be working with them, and I look forward to leading the development of the designs in consultation with the London Borough of Camden and other key stakeholders to create something very special for everyone.”

At the same time, the competition to select an architect to redesign the Western Range of the Museum continues.

The five shortlisted teams have submitted models and images as responses to a design exercise, and these have gone on public display today in the Museum’s Round Reading Room. The hypothetical design exercise has been set to test the capabilities of the five internationally renowned teams, shortlisted as part of the Museum’s selection process.

Visitors will be able to contribute comments, which will be passed to the Jury Panel for consideration as it selects a lead architect for this hugely significant project. The Jury Panel will announce the winning team in Spring 2025.

The Museum has previously confirmed that it will stay open to the public throughout works on the Masterplan development.