MUMA's whitworth expansion realized as a 'gallery in the park'

MUMA’s whitworth expansion realized as a ‘gallery in the park’
photography © alan williams

the whitworth art gallery, part of the university of manchester, has been shortlisted for the RIBA stirling prize following its £15 million redevelopment by MUMA (mcinnes usher mcknight architects). since reopening in february 2015 over 230,000 people have visited the gallery, breaking all previous annual records. the redevelopment has transformed the 126 year-old institution, doubling the existing public space and adding expanded galleries, a study center, a learning studio, and a collections center.

since reopening in february 2015 over 230,000 people have visited the gallery

at the heart of the scheme is an elegant glass, stainless steel and brick addition, which sees two wings continue into the adjacent whitworth park from the rear of the existing 19th century building. for the extension, MUMA developed a unique brickwork pattern that references the gallery’s extensive textile collection.

the redevelopment has transformed the 126 year-old institution, doubling existing public space

extensive refurbishment of the existing gallery building has restored the volume of the three 19th century barrel-vault exhibition gallery ceilings, enabling the display of major, large scale international shows. visitors can now also gain access to the reinstated grand hall on the first floor via edwardian staircases returned to public use for the first time in over 50 years.

MUMA developed a unique brickwork pattern that references the gallery’s extensive textile collection

‘MUMA’s sensitive extension and restoration of our building unlocks our potential as a university art gallery in a park,’ commented maria balshaw, director of the whitworth. ‘the collection and the knowledge held inside now connects to our local community of park users and the elegant, generous spaces for art are drawing people in from all over the world. we are delighted to have the quality of MUMA’s architecture recognized by inclusion on the stirling prize shortlist.‘

see the other projects nominated for the RIBA stirling prize on designboom here.

the three 19th century barrel-vault exhibition gallery ceilings have been restored

at the heart of the scheme is an elegant glass, stainless steel and brick addition

the new wing frames views of neighboring parkland

the scheme enables the display of large scale international shows

the extruded glazed extension

the redevelopment as been conceived as a ‘gallery in the park’

project info:

architect: MUMA
client: the university of manchester
contractor: isg & manchester and cheshire construction
structural engineers: ramboll uk
m&e engineers: buro happold
project management: cragg management services
cost consultant: appleyard & trew
acoustic engineers: hann tucker
landscape architects: sarah price landscapes
access consultant: lisa foster associates
cost: confidential
internal area: 1,856 sqm
photography: alan williams