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The Barbican Centre, the National Theatre and Alexandra & Ainsworth Estate. The capital is absolutely brimming with brutalist icons, so it’s only right that we should have an entire museum dedicated to these great geometric beasts of concrete.
The UK’s first ever Museum of Brutalist Architecture is to open inside the Grade II-listed assembly hall at Acland Burghley School in Camden.
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The assembly hall, housed inside the brutalist-designed north London school, will first undergo a big renovation, funded by the National Lottery. Acland Burghley School was chosen to host the museum as it is one of the UK’s last remaining Brutalist school buildings. Its hexagonal assembly hall and nearby main school building, completed in 1968, was the only school designed by post-war architects Howell, Killick, Partridge & Amis.
Although the hall was originally designed to be of wider community use, at the moment limited accessibility means this is not entirely possible.
With the National Lottery’s £1 million grant, the hall will have its key architecture features restored, alongside improved accessibility, new gallery facilities for heritage exhibitions, and become home to the Museum of Brutalist Architecture. The museum is being developed by Urban Learners.
Harvey O’Brien, year 10 Acland Burghley student and Camden Deputy Youth MP, said: ‘It’s a great opportunity for both the school and the local community. It will allow us to do so much more and help so many more people.’
Nicholas John, headteacher, said: ‘This isn’t just about renovating a building. For our neighbours, safe, accessible spaces like this Hall can be a lifeline. The Hall for All will give young people, families and community groups a place to connect, learn and belong and ensure that this treasured space remains accessible and inspiring for generations.’
The timeline for the renovation and the opening of the museum hasn’t yet been announced. We will update you when we have more information.
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