• When was the building itself thought of?
• When did the Sainsbury Centre open?
• How much did it cost to build?
• When was the Crescent Wing added?
• Why was the Crescent Wing added?
• How can I find out more about Foster and the Sainsbury Centre building?

When was the building itself thought of?

Norman Foster, then a relatively young architect, was commissioned to design the building in 1974.

For more information see The Building.

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When did the Sainsbury Centre open?

The main Sainsbury Centre building opened on 12 April 1978. Its design was radical and forward-thinking, combining open-plan galleries, offices for staff and faculty, teaching spaces, a restaurant and café all under one roof.

For more information see The Building.

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How much did it cost to build?

The original building cost £3m. The capital was provided by David Sainsbury as a gift to his parents.

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When was the Crescent Wing added?

The Crescent Wing, also designed by Norman Foster, opened in May 1991 and it’s bigger than you think: two-thirds the footprint of the main building.

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Why was the Crescent Wing added?

The Crescent Wing provided state-of-the-art conservation, storage and technical facilities, a new exhibition space (called the Lower Gallery), and new offices and teaching spaces for gallery operation, the Sainsbury Research Unit and Museology. The new Lower Gallery nearly doubled the floor space for temporary exhibitions.

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How can I find out more about Foster and the Sainsbury Centre building?

See The Building.

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