Lebanese-French Architect Lina Ghotme to Redesign the British Museum

In a major milestone for the British Museum, Lebanese-French architect Lina Ghotmeh, founder of the Paris-based studio Lina Ghotmeh Architecture (LG-A), has been selected to redesign its Western Range galleries.

This decision follows an intense international competition launched in May 2024, which saw over 60 teams apply.Now, Ghotmeh - known for her deeply contextual and poetic approach to architecture - will lead one of the museum’s most ambitious undertakings yet.

The Western Range project is central to the British Museum’s transformation, covering nearly 15,560 square metres - almost a third of its gallery space.

Ghotmeh’s vision, shaped by her signature ‘archaeological’ approach, proposes a design that feels deeply rooted in history. As seen in the initial renders, her proposal embraces a grounded aesthetic, where pale beige tones create a sense of depth and timelessness.

At its heart is a high-ceilinged courtyard atrium, encircled by an arcade and crowned with a suspended balcony that offers sweeping views of the central space. Emphasising natural materials, low-carbon construction, and a deep connection to place, the design reflects the very values that captivated the competition's selection panel.

The Western Range project is a key chapter in the British Museum’s Masterplan - a vision to modernise its spaces, champion sustainability, and enhance the visitor experience. Moving into the next phase, Lina Ghotmeh Architecture will collaborate with a diverse team, including artist Ali Cherri, conservation architects Purcell, engineers from Arup, and graphic designers Holmes Studio, to refine the concept.

The final design approach is set to be revealed by mid-2026, marking a significant step in the museum’s evolution.

Photography Credit: Lina Ghotmeh Architecture