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66 Portland Place London Building News

Royal Institute of British Architects Headquarters in London, England, UK.

8 November 2024

RIBA looks to the future as it celebrates 90 years of its iconic London headquarters with Google collaboration.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has marked the 90th anniversary of its landmark London building at 66 Portland Place, launching an exciting new series of digital stories as part of its collaboration with Google Arts & Culture.

66 Portland Place under construction in January 1934:

photograph © RIBA Collections

66 Portland Place Landmark London Building

The specially curated stories are drawn from RIBA’s collections – among the largest and most significant architectural collections in the world. They include a virtual tour of 66 Portland Place and an exploration of the building’s history, shedding new light on its imperial past – alongside studies of how colour has been used by architects, the collaboration between artists and architects, and the narratives that RIBA’s collections reveal about LGBTQ+ history.

66 Portland Place under construction in June 1934:

photograph © RIBA Collections

The 10 new stories appear with a further 23 already published since RIBA first launched on the Google Arts & Culture platform back in 2021. Together, these profile over 1,000 items in RIBA’s collections which include drawings, photographs, models and artefacts spanning the Renaissance to the present day.

The figure of Architectural Aspiration being sculpted above the main entrance of 66 Portland Place, 1934:

photograph © RIBA Collections

Also coinciding with the 90th anniversary, RIBA has provided an update on House of Architecture – a multi-million improvement programme that includes investment to transform 66 Portland Place into a leading cultural destination for discovering, exploring and debating the practice of architecture.

66 Portland Place flooring:

photograph © RIBA Collections

Following consultation earlier in the year, RIBA is due to publish the latest designs for the building, available to view at a free exhibition at 66 Portland Place and online – from Tuesday 19 November until the end of the year – alongside updates on plans to create an improved online experience and bring together RIBA’s collections so that they can be better cared for, accessed and appreciated.

66 Portland Place under construction in April 1933:

photo © RIBA Collections

Designed by George Grey Wornum, 66 Portland Place was officially opened on 8 November 1934 by King George V. Wornum’s design was part of a competition to create a new home for RIBA after it had outgrown its original headquarters. On 14 September 1970, the building was granted Grade II* status. Today, it is home to RIBA’s architecture galleries, the RIBA Library, a café, the RIBA Bookshop and more.

Steelworkers on site at 66 Portland Place, London, in September 1933:

photo © RIBA Collections

RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki, said:

“66 Portland Place is the jewel in RIBA’s collections. Now, through Google Arts & Culture, we’re unveiling hidden stories from the buildings 90-year history. As we gear up for a bold transformation programme, we’re excited to reimagine these spaces as a dynamic hub for members, visitors, and especially the young minds who will shape the future of architecture.”

Director and Founder, Google Arts & Culture, Amit Sood, said:

“RIBA’s 66 Portland Place is a landmark of British architecture, and Google Arts & Culture is proud to collaborate with them to share its stories with a global audience. This project not only celebrates the building’s 90th anniversary but also furthers RIBA’s mission to champion inclusivity and a deeper understanding of architectural history.”

Sculptor Bainbridge Copnall, photographed by Leo Herbert Felton in the Florence Hall, 66 Portland Place 1934:

photo © RIBA Collections

Royal Institute of British Architects

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on X/Twitter for regular updates.

Google Arts & Culture

Google Arts & Culture puts the treasures, stories and knowledge of over 3,000 cultural institutions from 95 countries at your fingertips. If Google’s mission is to make the world’s information more accessible, then Arts & Culture aims to make more culture accessible to anyone, anywhere. It’s an immersive way to explore art, history, wonders of the world and stories about cultural heritage from Puerto Rico’s heritage, Sports in Australia or the women’s right movement to ancient Maya temples, Japanese Food and Indian Railways.

Previously on e-architect:

RIBA HQ Refurbishment
RIBA HQ refurbishment, 66 Portland Place

RIBA HQ Building
RIBA HQ at 66 Portland Place

RIBA UK News Archive

RIBA News & Events 2024

RIBA News & Events 2023

RIBA News & Events 2022

Royal Institute of British Architects News for 2022 – key selection below:

Serjeant Award for Excellence in Architectural Drawing News

image courtesy of Nathan Tipping-Stevenson
RIBA Serjeant Award for Excellence in Architectural Drawing