A new home for research at the National Gallery

Research has been the driving engine of the National Gallery since its foundation in 1824. We are respected as a world-leader in interdisciplinary research into the history of painting and home to over 50 expert researchers across the fields of art history, heritage science, conservation, exhibition-making and photography. Research at the Gallery generates new knowledge about the artworks in our care, making the collection one of the most closely studied in the world.

A more visible and accessible Research Centre at the Gallery – to be named the Weston Research Centre – will elevate the quality of research and study spaces for the long-term benefit of researchers, curators and the wider public.

The Research Centre Project follows the completion of the Sainsbury Wing renovations and creation of the Roden Centre for Creative Learning in 2025.

The project will adapt currently under-used spaces in the Wilkins Building to double the existing footprint that research occupies in the Gallery. It will offer a high-profile public face for research, as well as a series of new bridging spaces between the Weston Research Centre and existing public Gallery areas, visibly embedding research in everything that we do.

Due to be completed in Autumn 2028, the Research Centre Project will include:

• The Weston Entrance: a new public entrance leading directly into the Weston Research Centre from Trafalgar Square.

• Completion of The Mews, a link commenced as part of the NG200 capital project, to directly connect the Weston Research Centre with other Gallery spaces, in particular the Pigott Theatre in the adjoining Sainsbury Wing.

• A suite of new spaces to host research events and long-term visiting researchers, including: a state-of the-art 70-seat seminar room; an adaptable Artist's Studio to house our Artist-in-Residence programme; and dedicated workspaces for Visiting Research Fellows.

• A refurbished Library, improving user experience, maintaining our high standard of collections care, and enhancing the space's historic architecture, while significantly increasing external reader capacity.

• A new Study Room, for the first time centralising and expanding public access to our internationally important research collections, alongside new facilities for teaching with these unique materials.

• A refurbished open-plan office for Library, Archive, and Research Department staff, as well as bookable spaces for researchers.

• A reception and engagement area to provide a welcoming, flexible space for research events and informal gatherings, as well as for the display of research collections.