Drinkall Dean were appointed as lead designer for the refit and expansion of the Science Museum retail space, as a part of their MasterPlan project. Architectural intervention was a significant aspect of this project. The stairs and mezzanine level of the shop were relocated to increase the useable space and improve the flow, circulation and layout.  

The Science Museum retail site is adjacent to the historic East Hall. Therefore, in designing the new shop as part of the museum’s Masterplan initiative, we were required to determine an architectural harmony between these two spaces, whilst establishing the shop as an authoritative commercial offering that encourages visitors to enter, browse, and explore. The objective of our creative design solutions was to significantly increase dwell time and spend by providing an immersive and theatrical retail experience, befitting of the cross-generational appeal of the Science Museum. 

The shop has been extended to the mezzanine via a new staircase, creating an imposing double height with balcony edges. This creates an extraordinary venue for a shop that in itself is experiential, evoking a sense of presence and drama. The lighting has been generally overhauled and we have also included theatrical lighting to accommodate for special events. Our design encourages movement between the two levels and exploration of the retail zones. It is visually striking, and is a destination within the museum itself.