British Museum - Great Court

As part of a long term programme to accommodate a growing number of visitors the British Museum undertook an extensive renovation of its inner courtyard in order to provide a new education centre, additional galleries, enhanced visitor services and vastly improved access. 

The new space, covered by a distinctive roof comprising 3,312 individual panes of glass, required a sensitive approach, within the Grade I listed building, and as construction managers Mace planned and coordinated works to suit the museum’s operating requirements.  

Operating as an extension of the client’s organisation, Mace also managed the retail fit-out of the Great Court, the adjacent Grenville Library and an acquired shop in nearby Bloomsbury Street, developing the brief and an overall procurement strategy, managing costs, selecting designers and managing an extensive team to deliver the entire scheme on programme.

Since its completion, the Great Court has received industry wide recognition through a number of awards, including the BCI Awards Major Project of the Year 2001.