Science Museum Conservation Management Plan

 

Science Museum Conservation Management Plan

Despite its grand appearance, the Science Museum is not a listed building, though it is a major landmark within the South Kensington museums district. It opened in 1928 and was designed by the Office of Works using the Coignet system of reinforced concrete. This allowed for large, unobstructed galleries that were economical to construct but strong enough to support heavy exhibits. Later extensions have been built along similar principles. But, because of an awkwardly long and narrow site, with the entrance at one end, some of these later galleries are hard to find and underused.

The Science Museum has now embarked on a major masterplan that will transform the way it is used. New galleries are being created in tandem with access and circulation improvements. As part of this project, we have undertaken a Conservation Plan that, for the first time, sets out the building’s historical development with a view to identifying significant elements that the museum may want to retain or enhance as the design work unfolds.

Client: Science Museum Group