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.”

“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.”