Project :: 387 : National Maritime Museum
Introduction
"Clearly the architects have worked hard in the buildings surrounding Neptune Court to achieve the effect of effortless intervention. The insertion of new openings into listed walls, the fusion of new and existing fabric and the ordering of disorderly spaces are executed successfully enough to go almost unappreciated. It is Neptune Court, then, that gives architectural identity to the new National Maritime Museum, defining it visually, spatially and organisationally."
Keith Brownlie
Architects' Journal
Description
The key objectives of the Neptune Court project were to resolve the Museum's orientation, display and circulation problems. Covering a previously under exploited courtyard with Europe's largest free-span glazed roof creates a new central 'square', unifying the layout, and producing clear and legible routes throughout the museum. The podium level of the square creates streets along the base of the courtyard façades. Stairs against the podium link the 'streets' with the new square. Within the surrounding building, ten new galleries were created and all levels are now fully accessible.
Bridges link to the surrounding galleries and new stairs and lifts at the corners link the different levels of galleries together, allowing the visitor to move continuously throughout the space.
The project removed courtyard additions to Sir Philip Hardwick's original scheme and reveals, refurbishes, and restores the grandeur of the original Neo-classical facades, based on original record drawings held by the museum.
The existing triumphal arch of the north facade is retained but transformed into a new main entrance. Internally it has been expanded to provide a new galleries, shop and reception areas, and making a new facade that overlooks the podium, with a new glass lift alongside giving views over the courtyard.
Awards
2000
Civic Trust Award
Press
Museum Practice Magazine
Clear Vision
Javier Pes - Summer 2009
Gewerbeimmobilien
Ein Amerikaner, der britischer als eim brite zu Werke geht
Judith Jammers - 22 Sept 00
Access by Design
The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Jacqueline Gordon - Summer 99
The Guardian
The Ship of things to come
Johnathan Glancey - 31 May 99
Architects' Journal
Naval Glazing
Keith Brownlie - 6 May 99
Building Design
Behold the sea
Robert Bevan - 23 April 99
The Daily Telegraph
A modern answer to a classic problem
Giles Worsley - 24 March 99
The Sunday Times
In a glass of its own
Hugh Pearman - 21 March 99
The Independent
In full sail under a glass sky
Nonie Niesewand - 14 August 98
The Art Newspaper
London's most popular museum architect
Cristina Ruiz, Giulia Ajmone, Martin Bailey - May 97
Details
Client
National Maritime Museum
Location
Greenwich, London, UK
Size
7,700m²
Value
£20m
Completed
May 99
Supported by
Heritage Lottery Fund
- Started : 1995-05-01
- Completed : 1999-12-31
- Country : UK
- County : London
- City : Greenwich
- m2 : 7700
