Smithsonian to Contribute to London Olympic Legacy

(ATR) The London Olympic Park could host the first international outpost of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Washington, D.C. museum is in talks with the London Legacy Development Corp. about contributing an exhibit to the 2012 Olympic site. The space would be the Smithsonian’s first long-term venue outside of the United States.

"We see this as an unprecedented opportunity to show the breadth of the Smithsonian in one of the most diverse cities in the world," Al Horvath, acting secretary of the Smithsonian board of regents, said in a news release.

"An exhibition space in London will enable us to share the Smithsonian with an international audience in a way we haven’t been able to before."

The 40,000-square-foot gallery, known as "Olympicopolis," will feature permanent and rotating exhibits, programs, and activities from the Smithsonian, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, University College London East, and the University of the Arts London.

Set to open in 2021, the permanent exhibit will be free. Operating costs will be covered by private donations and revenue from temporary-exhibit admission fees and retail activities.

London mayor Boris Johnson, along with the LLDC, secured $50 million in contributions for the construction of Olympicopolis and transport of Smithsonian programs and artifacts.

"This enterprising initiative from London Mayor Boris Johnson and the LLDC has tremendous potential," said John McCarter, chair of the board of regents.

"The proposal is impressive and exciting. The Smithsonian greatly appreciates the opportunity to participate in the development process."

Negotiations on the terms of the Smithsonian’s lease are ongoing and subject to approval of the board of regents’ executive committee.

Written by Andrew Murrell.

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