London's pioneering museum for Brutalist architecture set to unveil and welcome visitors
The Museum of Brutalist Architecture (MoBA) is set to be the first museum in the UK dedicated to brutalist architecture, housed within the Grade II-listed Acland Burghley School in north London. The museum, which is expected to open to the public in 2028, will be a significant milestone for British brutalism [1][4].
Originated in the 1950s as part of post-war reconstruction, brutalism emphasises raw, exposed materials like concrete and visible structural elements, representing the "new brutalism" movement. The Acland Burghley School itself is a notable brutalist building, making it a fitting home for the museum [1].
The Assembly Hall of Acland Burghley School has been chosen as the location for MoBA following a call for projects by Camden Council in 2021. The Assembly Hall, built in 1968 by British architects Howell, Killick, Partridge & Amis (HKPA), is considered one of the finest examples of brutalist architecture across the Channel [3].
The museum will celebrate and preserve brutalist architecture, raising public awareness and appreciation of this often divisive architectural style. By situating MoBA inside a working brutalist school, the museum’s setting embodies brutalism's educational and community-focused values [4].
The institution will likely include exhibitions and programs exploring brutalism’s history, cultural significance, and its influence on architecture and urban environments [4]. London-based architects Reed Watts Architects have been selected for the MoBA project, with work scheduled to begin in 2026 and completion in 2027 [3].
The estimated budget for the MoBA project is €2.9 million [3]. Brutalism is now seeing some renewed interest for its authenticity and formal boldness. The MoBA aims to serve as a centre for interpretation and reflection on brutalist architecture [2].
It's important to note that the Assembly Hall has been listed for nearly ten years, presenting a major technical challenge for preserving its original architecture while adapting it to contemporary standards [3]. The MoBA project promises to make the Assembly Hall a landmark for architecture enthusiasts.
The Museum of Brutalist Architecture (MoBA) will be the world's first museum dedicated solely to brutalist architecture, representing a milestone for British brutalism, emphasising both preservation and education [1]. MoBA is supported by the non-profit organization Urban Learners, which specialises in education and design [2].
In addition, the MoBA is set to open in 2028 in London, the same year the Museum of Architecture (MoA) is set to open, making 2028 a significant year for London's architectural scene [5]. The MoA is supported by the non-profit organization New London Architecture (NLA), which aims to promote and celebrate London's architecture and urbanism [5].
References:
- The Museum of Brutalist Architecture
- Brutalism
- Acland Burghley School to house Museum of Brutalist Architecture
- Museum of Brutalist Architecture to open in London's Acland Burghley School
- Museum of Architecture to open in London in 2028
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