When was the building itself thought of?
The Crescent Wing, also designed by Norman Foster, opening in May 1991. It�s bigger than you think, taking up two-thirds the footprint of the main building.

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 caf� all under one roof.

For more information see The Building

When was the Crescent Wing added?
The Crescent Wing, also designed by Norman Foster, opening in May 1991. It�s bigger than you think, taking up two-thirds the footprint of the main building.

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 and the Sainsbury research Unit. The addition of the Lower Gallery nearly doubled the floor space for temporary exhibitions.