Refurbishment of seven galleries will complete restoration of front wing of London musuem

The V&A has appointed ZMMA to redesign its Europe 1600-1800 Galleries.

The second phase of the V&A’s FuturePlan will see the completion of the front wing of the museum in Kensington.

Cladding from the 1970s will be removed to reveal the original architecture by Aston Webb. Long-hidden windows will be reinstated to maximise natural light and over 350m² of display space will be returned to use.

The galleries will showcase over 1,000 objects when they open in 2014.

Moira Gemmill, V&A’s director of projects, design and estate, said: “We chose ZMMA for this project because of their inspired response to our brief.â€

“As well as covering all the practical considerations of displaying sensitive and precious objects in appropriate conditions, their concept emphasises the luxuriousness of the collection and theatricality of the period.â€