Plans for new security buildings in the grounds of the British Museum have been criticised as “too flashy” and would resemble “a shop and wine bar” that betrays the archeological appeal, it has been warned.
The central London attraction wants to replace anti-terrorism marquees near its entrance with two new blocks and convert its front lawn into a “Mediterranean” botanical exhibit.
Conservation groups have formally objected to the proposal, fearing the plans will spoil the building’s Greek style, and have urged Camden Council to reject the plans.
The museum’s trust insists the new pavilions would make the site more welcoming by tightening security searches to cut wait times, while adding a new “living collection” that links to the two million years of history it contains within its walls.
Conservation body The Georgian Group claims the proposed designs submitted late last year “betray the architect’s original vision for the museum”.
A spokesperson said: “While we recognise the operational challenges faced by the museum, we consider that the proposals would cause an unacceptable level of harm to this internationally important site.”
The group believes that installing pavilions on one side of the building will ruin its symmetry and undermine its “powerful and carefully composed” architectural elements.
They also urged the public to view the proposals for themselves on Camden Council’s portal, and to consider submitting their own objections to the scheme ahead of a planning committee meeting where a final decision to approve or reject the proposal will be made.
Visualisation of the proposed pavilion and courtyard design.
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Studio Weave
The Victorian Society, a separate conservation charity, also objected to the plans, arguing the “flashy” pavilion designs “resembled a shop and wine bar”, slamming the museum for ignoring earlier feedback on the plans.
Consent is sought for the project on a temporary basis for a period of up to ten years, where the two pavilions would each contain security lanes and enable “state-of-the-art” scanners to screen guests without asking them to empty their bags.
The plans also include associated queuing and wayfinding infrastructure, railings, seating, and new landscaping to both forecourts.
Meanwhile, the museum’s historic gates are also set to be reopened, which the organisation hopes will stop visitor lines jamming at the entrance.
The British Museum admitted the changes would cause a “low degree of less than substantial harm” but said it was justified by protecting its interior and reducing clutter from security barriers.
They confirmed these plans would be temporary installations to last a decade, while the trust works on its ten year masterplan to redevelop the whole museum, tipped to cost £1bn.
The trust’s proposals are expected to come before the Camden Council planning committee in February.
A Camden Council spokesperson said: “Planning officers are currently reviewing the scheme against planning policy and will make a recommendation in due course.”
The Grade I listed museum attracts six million visitors a year and is home to artefacts like the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures, soon set to house the Bayeux Tapestry for a short time.
First opened in 1759, the site is considered to be the nation’s most famous example of the Greek Revival style.
Designed by Sir Robert Smirke, the building’s colonnade is held up by 44 columns inspired by ancient Ionian ruins in Athens and Priene.