- World’s trusted infrastructure consultant appointed to support experience of six million annual British Museum visitors
- Museum is developing new pavilions for both the Great Russell Street and Montague Place entrances
LONDON (Mar. 7, 2025) — AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, has been appointed as technical advisor to the British Museum’s Visitor Welcome Programme, providing critical expertise across multiple technical disciplines.
The Visitor Welcome Programme forms part of the British Museum’s strategic long-term masterplan. With key initiatives such as the planned Energy Centre and the upcoming reimagining of the Western Range Galleries, the masterplan will transform the British Museum for the 21st Century.
The focus of the Visitor Welcome Programme is on improving the visitor entrance experience, addressing current temporary security arrangements, and developing new pavilions for both the Great Russell Street and Montague Place entrances while respecting the museum’s historic buildings. AECOM will deliver comprehensive technical advisory services to the project team, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, public health, security, fire engineering, building information modelling (BIM) and sustainability.
Situated in the heart of London since 1753, the British Museum currently welcomes over six million visitors annually. Recognising the need to continuously evolve visitor experiences, the museum has engaged AECOM to provide comprehensive technical expertise that will support the development of a high-quality design that will allow the Museum the flexibility to explore options for future scenarios as the masterplan progresses.
As technical advisors, AECOM’s multidisciplinary approach will ensure that technical innovations seamlessly integrate with the museum’s architectural and historical integrity.
AECOM will deliver its services via its London Building Engineering teams, and work with appointed architects Studio Weave and the wider design team. Studio Weave’s initial concept design introduces soft landscaping and plants, addressing site constraints of the project and taking into account sustainability, including embodied and operational carbon.
David Brown, structural engineer and technical director at AECOM, said: “We’re proud to support the British Museum’s transformative Visitor Welcome Programme, enhancing the UK’s most-visited indoor attraction. AECOM’s multidisciplinary expertise ensures the project meets immediate needs while aligning with long-term goals of sustainability, security, and exceptional visitor experience.
“Building on our experience with complex cultural projects like the Serpentine Pavilion and Elizabeth Tower, we’re delivering innovative technical solutions that balance creativity with functional excellence. By embracing sustainable design and modern methods of construction, we’re committed to preserving the museum’s historic significance while shaping a world-class visitor experience.”
Alice Fraser, Head of Capital Projects: Masterplan at the British Museum, added: “The Visitor Welcome Programme has been established to ensure that the six million people that make the journey to the British Museum each year are given a fantastic experience from the moment they step through the gates. We’re pleased to be working in partnership with AECOM and Turner & Townsend to deliver our vision.”
The Visitor Welcome Programme will include new pavilions with flexible function spaces, incorporating sustainability considerations and innovative design approaches. The Lead Designer for the project was appointed in December 2024, when a team led by Studio Weave, with Wright & Wright Architects, Webb Yates Engineers, Tom Massey Studio and Daisy Froud was selected following an invited design competition. The project is expected to be completed in March 2026.
Concept design of a new pavilion developed as part of the Visitor Welcome Programme at the British Museum.
About AECOM
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.
