London's final millennium project - British Museum's Great Court to reopen - Brief Article

Magazine Antiques, Nov, 2000 by Miriam Kramer

One of the last major millennium projects in London will be completed next month when the Great Court at the British Museum opens to the public on December 7. It cost [pound]97.9 million, [pound]30 million of which was provided by the Millennium Commission and [pound]15.75 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The scheme, which makes use of the inner courtyard and the Reading Room previously occupied by the British Library was designed by Foster and Partners. About 150,000 square feet of new space has been created, covered by a glass roof. This releases the equivalent amount of space within the original building, which will be used for loan exhibitions. Inside the Great Court are education facilities, new galleries, shops, and restaurants.