Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director of National Museums Scotland
commented,
“We are delighted to have won these two extremely prestigious
awards. This is clearly recognition of the tremendous work
undertaken by the project team, to transform this magnificent
building, returning it to its original splendour, displaying our
outstanding international collections and providing welcoming new
public spaces.
“Since re-opening we have had an overwhelming response from
visitors, having welcomed over 2 million through our doors in just
over 10 months.”
Gareth Hoskins, Director of Gareth Hoskins Architects, said,
“We are delighted that the National Museum of Scotland has
received another two important architectural awards, further
recognition of the quality of work produced by our team here at
Gareth Hoskins Architects.
“Working on such a cherished building was a slightly daunting
prospect but the spirit of collaboration between our client, the
design team and the main contractor, all of whom approached the
project with an enthusiasm and desire to create an outstanding
building, has given rise to a truly world class museum.”
The judging panel for the awards included RIAS President Sholto
Humphries, Dr Anne Lorne Gillies, Scottish singer, songwriter,
broadcaster, author and academic, Robert Dye of Robert Dye
Associates, London and Peter Wilson, Director of the Wood Studio at
Napier University. There were 71 submissions from across Scotland
for the awards and the winners were selected from a shortlist of
23.
The judging panel said of the project,
“Fully accessible with a welcoming ground floor entrance, this
adaptation is sensitive and intelligent. The National Museum of
Scotland, designed by Captain Francis Fowke, and opened in 1866,
has been adapted, altered and extended throughout its long history.
This project has opened up and expanded the gallery spaces,
returning the building to its original grandeur. It integrates
displays and architecture for a coherent visitor experience.”
Winners of the RIBA Awards for Scotland form the long list for
the RIBA Stirling Prize.
21 June 2012
For more information or images, please contact Susan
Gray, Hannah Dolby or Bruce Blacklaw, Press Office, Tel 0131 247
4088 or email s.gray@nms.ac.uk
Notes to Editors
- Please note that National Museums Scotland (no ‘of’ or ‘the’)
is our group name. Our individual museums are called the National
Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National
Museum of Rural Life, the National Museum of Costume and the
National War Museum.
- Previously the RIAS co-ordinated RIBA awards for Scotland.
However, this year for the first time the incorporation launched
its own scheme. Entries for these awards were also eligible for the
RIBA awards for Scotland.