National Gallery
Future-ready AV and digital infrastructure for a world-class cultural venue
The National
Gallery
CLIENT
Public venue, performance, community space
INDUSTRY
Specialist stage lighting and sound systems
SCOPE
The National
The Venue
Refurbishing the Sainsbury Wing Lecture Theatre.
As part of the NG200 project, the National Gallery refurbished the Sainsbury Wing Lecture Theatre to create a flexible, technology-enabled venue capable of supporting a wide range of events. The space hosts lectures, panel discussions, film screenings, concerts, and broadcast filming, requiring a robust and adaptable technical environment within the constraints of a historically significant building.
The challenge & objectives
The existing AV and IT infrastructure was more than 25 years old and built around legacy analogue technologies.
Much of the cabling and equipment had reached end of life and could not support modern high-resolution or high-bandwidth formats.
The National Gallery needed a system that would deliver immediate performance improvements while also preparing the venue for future technologies, including higher-resolution video formats. The project also required careful coordination to ensure new infrastructure could be installed sensitively within a listed building environment.
Solutions delivered
Vanti delivered a complete redesign and upgrade of the lecture theatre’s AV and digital infrastructure, creating a scalable, IP-based platform for both audio and video.
Network backbone
A new fibre and CAT6A network backbone was installed to replace ageing analogue and Cat5e cabling, providing the capacity required for modern AV over IP workflows.
A 24-core single-mode fibre link was installed between the control room and stage, with additional connectivity to the amplifier rack, supporting high-bandwidth data transfer and future expansion.
Audio
The audio system was modernised using a Dante audio-over-IP architecture centred on a QSC Q-Sys Core DSP.
A new Allen & Heath SQ-7 digital mixing console, Dante wall plates, and portable I/O interfaces provide flexible connectivity for a wide range of production requirements while maintaining compatibility with existing analogue infrastructure where required.
Video
The legacy video system was replaced with a new 12G SDI backbone capable of supporting 4K signals.
A Blackmagic Videohub matrix provides flexible signal routing, while a Blackmagic ATEM vision mixer supports broadcast-quality live production.
Panasonic 4K PTZ cameras were installed for recording and streaming, and NDI video-over-IP technology enables low-latency video distribution across the network. A high-performance 4K60 multi-screen seamless presentation switcher, designed for demanding live events and professional installations was also installed. It pairs exceptionally low latency with a versatile HTML5-based interface amongst others, making the management of complex, pixel-perfect visual layouts ‘just work’ for the high demands of the client.
Project delivery
The project was delivered as a Contractor’s Design Portion, with Vanti responsible for detailed design, installation, integration, and commissioning of the AV and IT systems.
Works included the full strip-out of redundant infrastructure, installation of new fibre, Cat6A, and 12G SDI cabling, and integration of existing loudspeakers and projection equipment into the new system. Three repurposed AV racks were configured in the control booth, alongside new stage and amplifier rack installations. Close coordination with the electrical contractor ensured containment and power requirements were fully aligned.
Vanti also delivered system programming, testing, commissioning, and client training to ensure the National Gallery team could operate the venue confidently across a wide range of event types.
Results & impact
The Sainsbury Wing Lecture Theatre now benefits from a modern, flexible AV and digital infrastructure capable of supporting high-resolution production standards and evolving event requirements.
The venue is equipped to host lectures, screenings, performances, and broadcast filming with improved reliability, expanded connectivity, and a scalable backbone that supports future technological developments. The upgrade ensures the space can continue to serve the National Gallery’s diverse programme while maintaining the integrity of its historic setting.
National Gallery
Discover how Vanti delivered AV and exhibition technology at the National Gallery, enhancing visitor experience through seamless integration and immersive design.
