Six of the Largest Museum Projects Under Construction Globally

Six of the Largest Museum Projects Under Construction Globally

Museum construction projects across the globe are breaking new ground, both in scale and ambition. These massive undertakings, some with budgets reaching billions of dollars, are set to redefine cultural spaces. Here are six of the most significant museum projects currently under construction:

1) Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located in Giza, has been in the making for nearly 30 years. Scheduled for a grand opening in mid-2024 after over a decade of construction, the project has surpassed the $1 billion mark. The museum, dedicated to Egyptian history and culture, has been partially open since last year to test site readiness. Once fully operational, it will be the largest museum focused on a single civilization, housing more than 100,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection.

Designed by Heneghan Peng Architects and engineered by Buro Happold, Arup, and ACE Consulting Engineers, the museum spans 81,000 square meters, with 24,000 square meters dedicated to permanent exhibitions. The structure, inspired by the nearby Giza pyramids, has faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and political instability, but is now nearing completion.

2) Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum, designed by Foster + Partners, is moving toward a 2025 completion after multiple delays. The museum, which honors the UAE’s founding president, will feature five steel towers resembling falcon wings. The innovative design includes a unique air conditioning system that utilizes ground-cooling pipes and thermal chimneys to regulate the building’s temperature.

Adjacent to the Zayed National Museum, the $1 billion Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is also under construction. Set to be the largest of the four Guggenheim museums worldwide, it will join the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, creating a cultural hub in the UAE capital.

3) Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is undergoing a $2 billion renovation involving six major projects, some of which began as early as 2015. Among the completed works are the 81st Street Studio, a new children’s play and education space, and a significant upgrade to the museum’s central chiller plant.

Upcoming projects include the $90 million overhaul of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, set to complete in 2025, and the $500 million renovation of the Tang Wing, scheduled for 2029. These renovations will enhance gallery spaces and reduce the museum’s carbon footprint, ensuring the Met remains a world-class cultural institution.

4) Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), USA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is in the final stages of constructing the David Geffen Galleries, a new building designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. The project, managed by Clark Construction, features a unique design with sweeping concrete and glass surfaces, supported by seven 30-foot-tall pavilions.

Despite delays caused by challenging soil conditions and fossil discoveries on site, the project is more than 65% complete. The new LACMA building, set for completion later this year, will provide a modern, expansive space for the museum’s collections.

5) Yugey Yugin Bharat, New Delhi, India

The Yugey Yugin Bharat National Museum in New Delhi is poised to become the world’s largest museum, showcasing 5,000 years of Indian history and culture across 950 rooms. Announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the project is expected to cost ₹ 2,700 crore (approximately $323.5 million).

While construction is anticipated to start soon, the timeline and contractor details remain uncertain due to the ongoing general election campaign in India.

6) Milwaukee Public Museum, USA

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is preparing to begin construction on a new $240 million building. The project, which has been in development for seven years, will relocate the museum to a new site about half a mile from its current location.

Designed with input from contractors and subcontractors to minimize logistical challenges, the project is set to be completed by 2027. The new museum will feature 80,000 square feet of exhibit space and a unique design inspired by Wisconsin’s natural glacial formations.

These projects represent significant investments in cultural heritage, pushing the boundaries of museum design and construction around the world.