Museum's building plans too flashy, critics say

"The museum's trust said the new pavilions would make site more welcoming by cutting waiting times, tighten security searches, while adding a new "living collection" that links to the two million years of history it contains within its walls. Conservation groups fears the plans will spoil the building's Greek style and have urged Camden Council to reject the proposal. First opened in 1759, it is considered to be the nation's most famous example of the Greek Revival style."

"Designed by Sir Robert Smirke, the building's colonnade is held up by 44 columns inspired by ancient Ionian ruins in Athens and Priene. These plans, submitted late last year, story, betray the architect's original vision for the museum, the Georgian Group says. The group believes that installing pavilions on one side building will ruin its symmetry and undermine its "powerful and carefully composed" architectural elements."

The British Museum plans to replace anti-terror marquees near its entrance with two new security pavilions and convert its front lawn into a "Mediterranean" botanical exhibit. The trust says the pavilions would reduce waiting times, tighten security searches with state-of-the-art scanners that screen guests without emptying bags, and add a "living collection" linked to two million years of history. Conservation groups, including the Georgian Group and the Victorian Society, argue the designs are "too flashy", would resemble a shop and wine bar, and would spoil the museum's Greek Revival symmetry and architectural composition. They have urged Camden Council to reject the proposals.

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