Consider the Royal Academy of Arts Sackler Wing a testament to architectural ingenuity. This wing wasn’t just built. It was masterfully woven into the fabric of history.
Opened in 1991 by Queen Elizabeth II, the Jillian and Arthur M. Sackler Wing of Galleries marked a historic moment for the Royal Academy of Arts. Norman Foster Associates designed this modern exhibition space. Their challenge? To create fully equipped modern galleries and improve public access. They had to respect the original 18th and 19th-century design of Burlington House.
Foster met the challenge with a design. It showed sensitivity and innovation. The Sackler Wing includes three galleries. These host temporary loan exhibitions. A sculpture gallery displays work by Royal Academicians. A special gallery houses Michelangelo’s Taddei Tondo.
The Royal Academy has deep roots. King George III established it in 1768. Back then, the United States was still a British colony. Benjamin West was the second president of the RA. Sir Joshua Reynolds was the first. The Academy comprised leading artists and architects. They contributed “Diploma” works. These became part of the RA’s art collection.
Sir Hugh Casson played a key role. He invited Arthur and Jillian Sackler to lunch. He wanted to modernize the Diploma Galleries. The Sacklers agreed only if access improved. Foster proposed building a “wing”. It would bridge the gap between the Georgian and Victorian buildings. A glass elevator and “floating” staircase would be included.
Sackler suggested a sculpture ledge using the Victorian building’s pediment. Foster agreed to this improvement. The former Diploma Galleries were transformed. They were stripped back to the original brickwork. A uniform floor level improved access. Victorian grills were removed. Environmental controls were installed. Temperature, humidity, and air movement could now be controlled. This guarantees safe conservation.
After Arthur Sackler’s death, his widow continued the project. The Sackler Wing of Galleries won “Building of the Year 1992”. It was awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
But the Sackler name has faced controversy. Some family members were associated with Purdue Pharma. This company manufactured OxyContin. Some institutions have removed the Sackler name. The Royal Academy of Arts Sackler Wing retains the name. Some argue that this branch of the family isn’t linked to the opioid crisis. OxyContin was invented after Arthur Sackler died. The Royal Academy relies on charitable donations.
The Sackler Wing stands as a blend of history, innovation and controversy. Its galleries have hosted exhibitions. These include Renaissance Impressions and Daumier. The Royal Academy of Arts Sackler Wing remains a place of art and discussion.