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British Golf Museum

British Golf Museum, St Andrews
Written by Roma Publications

British Golf Museum, St Andrews

A 5* Museum, the British Golf Museum is located at the home of golf in St Andrews. Inspired exhibitions and extraordinary multimedia breathe life into 500 years of golfing history.

The British Golf Museum re-opened its doors following a year-long closure. Celebrating 25 years since it first opened in 1990, the 5* Museum has undergone a major transformation at the hands of much acclaimed practice Richard Murphy Architects.  The refurbishment encompassed a brand new café seating a capacity of 80, in addition to a remodelled reception, gift shop and galleries.

Known as one of the finest Golf Museums worldwide, the British Golf Museum tells the story of the respected sport from the 17th Century to the present day. Welcoming more than 60,000 visitors each year, it is situated directly opposite the Grade A Listed Royal and Ancient Clubhouse, built in 1854, at The Old Course in St Andrews – one of the oldest golf courses in the world with play dating back to the 1500s.

Bill Black, Director at Richard Murphy Architects, said:

“It has been an honour to design a building next to one of the oldest and most iconic golf courses in the world. The design is conceived as a simple pavilion in the landscape and takes something from the language of the existing bandstand, the other golf pavilions and beachfront buildings in general.”

He added:

“The orientation of the cafe has been key to the design, maximising the views across the Old Course for the cafe visitors, whilst leaving uninterrupted views to the beach beyond for the adjacent existing buildings at the edge of the town.”

The new first floor space holds the 80-seat café, boasting the stunning panoramic scenery taking in the 1st tee of the world famous Old Course and West Sands beach; and a new outdoor dining terrace on the Bruce Embankment.

Now offering a more eye-catching presence, the Museum entrance façade has been altered, while the shop and reception have been remodelled on the ground floor, presenting 16,000 fascinating items on display for visitors – now in a more modern, stylish environment.

British Golf Museum, St Andrews

The company ethos for the development was to use simple, high-quality materials that were low maintenance as the café is quite a high traffic area. Main materials that were integrated include timber panelling, zinc for the roof, and sandstone for the pillars to match the existing building. A unique ‘ribbon’ of glass enables the café to be refreshingly transparent, with repeating bay windows that invite people to enjoy the surroundings.

The Café at the Museum presents a menu of locally sourced produce and a Scottish menu, including afternoon tea. The café is run by Ampersand Catering, whose prestigious portfolio boasts the Palace of Holyrood House, London Zoo and Kensington Palace.

Richard Murphy founded his practice in 1991. The practice’s early reputation was built on highly crafted and innovative domestic work in the Edinburgh area. The practice has since won an unprecedented 19 RIBA Awards, and has considerable experience in the Arts, Education, Housing, Health, Public and Community use and Masterplanning. Other projects that the practice is currently working on include Candleriggs Quarter in Glasgow and the redevelopment of Perth Theatre.

 

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Roma Publications