National Museum Best Building in Scotland

The prestigious Doolan award was presented to Gareth Hoskins Architects at the Scottish Parliament last night by Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop MSP, who described the transformation as “truly breathtaking”. The prize, awarded by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, is the biggest in British Architecture.

The Museum reopened on 29 July after a three-year, £47.4 million redevelopment. Showcasing 16 brand new galleries and a brand new street level entrance, the transformed Museum has attracted record-breaking visitor numbers and great public and critical acclaim.

Judges praised the redevelopment, describing it as a “sensitive and intelligent adaptation [which] enhances both the building and the objects displayed within it.”

Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director of National Museums Scotland, said:

“We are honoured and delighted to learn that the transformation of the National Museum of Scotland has received the prestigious Doolan award from the RIAS for the best building in Scotland. Gaining this award underlines the huge success of the redevelopment on every level. There has been a phenomenal public response to the transformation of the building, the new displays and the work we have done in making the Museum more open and accessible. It is wonderful to receive this formal recognition for the work undertaken by Gareth Hoskins and all of the rest of the team.”