The transformation of the National Gallery in London, one of the UK’s most renowned cultural destinations, features extensive lighting solutions from Lucent Lighting. As part of the Gallery’s £85 million NG200 Welcome building programme, Lucent’s luminaires have been used extensively throughout the Sainsbury Wing, supporting a major reimagining of the visitor experience.
Led by Selldorf Architects, an internationally renowned New York practice headed by Annabelle Selldorf, and developed in close collaboration with heritage architects Purcell, the scheme carefully balances architectural sensitivity with contemporary design. The grand re-opening of the Sainsbury Wing coincides with the National Gallery’s 200th anniversary, marking a significant evolution in the institution’s history.
The completed phase one of the redevelopment includes a newly designed main visitor entrance and foyer, as well as a new Espresso Bar, Locatelli restaurant and bar, bookshop, Gallery shop, event space, Supporters’ House – due to open on the 2nd of June and the Pigott Lecture Theatre. With these new facilities and amenities, the Gallery is better equipped to welcome the millions of visitors it receives each year – an audience that has grown significantly since the Sainsbury Wing first opened in 1991.
Lucent Lighting worked closely with the design team to deliver architectural lighting solutions tailored to the unique character and functionality of each space. From hospitality areas to circulation zones, Lucent’s luminaires offer a balance of performance, visual comfort and aesthetic integration.
A key element of the lighting was the integration of tuneable white luminaires across several key areas. This dynamic lighting allows the colour temperature to be adjusted, offering flexibility to support a wide range of functions. By allowing precise control over colour temperature, Lucent’s luminaires offer exceptional versatility, enabling the lighting to be adapted for a variety of uses. This flexibility ensures that each space can respond to the evolving needs of the National Gallery.
The lighting solutions also support the wider aims of the project: to improve accessibility and create a more inclusive experience for the diverse range of UK and international visitors
Looking ahead, phase two of the NG200 programme is set to begin in Spring 2026, focusing on the creation of a new research centre, reading room, lecture room, offices, and artists’ studios. A key structural addition will include a new stair connecting the Sainsbury Wing’s Theatre Level with the Wilkins Building’s main stair.
Lucent Lighting specialise in high-performance architectural lighting, offering a broad portfolio of precision-engineered luminaires that are designed to integrate seamlessly into complex and design-led environments. With a reputation for technical excellence, bespoke solutions, and close collaboration with architects and designers, Lucent’s involvement in the National Gallery’s NG200 programme reflects their commitment to delivering lighting that excels.
Project credits:
National Gallery London NG200 Sainsbury Wing
Architecture Team: Selldorf Architects (Design Architect) Purcell (Heritage Architect) Vogt (Landscape Design)
National Gallery – Director: Gabriele Finaldi / Deputy Director: Paul Gray / Project Director NG200: Sarah Younger
Project Team(consultants) – Client Project Management: The NG200 Project / Project Manager and Cost Consultant / Gardiner & Theobald / Construction Manager: Sir Robert McAlpine with Blue Sky Building / Structural Engineers: Arup Services / Engineers: Arup / Sustainability Engineers: Arup / Pedestrian Flow: Arup / Acoustic Engineers: Arup Lighting
Consultant: L’Observatoire International / Planning consultant: The Planning Lab / Access Consultant: David Bonnett / Associates Wayfinding & Graphics: Thomas Matthews / Community Engagement: Kaizen / Access consultant: Jane Simpson / Access Approved Inspectors: AIS / Chartered Surveyors / Fire Engineers: OFR / MFD/Thornton Tomasetti / Business Case Advisory Services: Colley Associates / Communications: London Communications Agency (LCA) / Vibration Consultant: Bickerdike Allen / Café /Espresso Bar furniture design (on ground floor): Studio Linse / Espresso Bar design(on ground floor): Selldorf Locatelli / Restaurant interior (on mezzanine level): LXALocatelli / Cocktail bar(on mezzanine level): Selldorf / bookshop design (both mezzanine level and ground floor) :BoRFK/Ryder Gallery / Shop (on ground level): RFK / Ryder Digital / Visitor experience: The Office of Future Interactions
Photography: Edmund Sumner
Products:
Sainsbury Building
Custom Triple Plus XL Bevel Accent trimmed downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source
Edge90 Accent trimmed downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source
Edge90 Asymmetric WallWasher c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source
Axis Mini Accent trimmed downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source
ProSpex Performance 140 Accent downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source
Plus XL Bevel Accent trimmed downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source
ProSpex 100 trimmed Asymmetric WallWasher c/w 3000k static source
Wilkins Building
Plus XL Bevel Accent trimmed downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source
Edge90 Accent trimmed downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source
ProSpex 140 trimmed Asymmetric WallWasher c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source