“This is one of the most radical briefs I have read,” says Amanda Levete of the much-anticipated Paisley Museum poised to open later this year.
Scotland’s Paisley Museum by 2022 International Architecture Award laureate Amanda Levete of AL_A features a publicly accessible park and red-glazed entrance hall that merges the original Victorian-era building with a contemporary new wing.
The re-imagination of Paisley Museum will create a visitor experience of international quality at the heart of the community—one that tells the inspirational and untold stories of Paisley, its radical heritage, and its exceptional collections.
AL_A has conceived a new face for Paisley Museum that announces a radical shift, introducing modernity and signaling a new feeling of optimism for the future of the museum and the town.
By embedding heritage and spirit into the design, it is ensured that the reimagined museum will be a place like no other.
It will be didactic in educating the next generation and a catalyst for the continuing reinvention of Paisley.
A new entrance to the west extends down to the high street and allows people to naturally drift in.
This entrance is signified as a new public outdoor space, accessible to everyone.
The ambitious renovation expands the museum’s gallery space to accommodate up to 1,200 objects.
Spaces that were once private will be made accessible to the public.
In keeping with its modern redesign, the museum’s galleries will be digitally transformed providing an immersive experience for the visitor.
Construction began in 2021 and when it opens, the project promises to solidify Paisley as a first-rate cultural destination.
Project: Paisley Museum
Architect: AL_A
Lead Architect: Amanda Levete
Conservation Architect: Giles Quarme & Associates
Engineering: Arup
Landscape Architect: GROSS.MAX
Exhibition Design: OPERA Amsterdam
Quantity Surveyors: Gardiner & Theobald
Client: Paisley Scotland
Images courtesy of the architects