The National Gallery Roden Centre for Creative Learning

Lawson Ward

Lawson Ward Studio have turned the previously small, cellular rooms into much more open, inviting spaces across three floors. These start with The Welcome Space, a vibrant new creative drop in area for families with engaging new activities and resources made by artists and children, for children. Outreach to those with the least access to arts and culture will focus on this space.

I spent a day photographing all floors before the opening in February 2025.

Modern art studio interior with wooden tables, chairs, shelves with art supplies, and easels. A person is walking in the background.
Modern educational space with colorful sliding doors and children drawing at a table.
Modern corridor with beige tones, featuring a sitting area with two people interacting in the distance.
Interior view of a minimalist classroom with natural wood furniture, shelves holding jars of art supplies, and a sink area.
Modern interior of a spacious community center with wooden floors, yellow and wood shelving on the left, and a few people interacting. Two people sit at a small table, while another carries a child. Large windows on the upper level provide ample natu
Modern interior space with wooden seating steps, tall windows, yellow railings, and people sitting and talking.
Children drawing on the floor in front of a large wooden bookshelf with various art supplies and books.
Person seated on a window ledge in a minimalistic room, looking out at a historic building with large windows.
Children drawing on floor in front of large wooden bookshelf
Modern shelving unit with yellow partitions and architectural wooden designs in cubbies, featuring arches and geometric structures.
Child sitting in a yellow and green alcove with books, wooden floors, and modern interior design.
A child sitting in a yellow arch-shaped reading nook, reading a book titled 'Children,' in a modern indoor setting.
Interior of a modern building with wooden elements, large windows, and a yellow architectural feature resembling a bridge or walkway. The space has a minimalist design with step-like structures and uniform ceiling lighting.
Terrazzo bench with wood slats and stone wall
Colorful indoor architectural space with yellow and wooden elements, featuring a yellow archway and shelves. Two children are walking in the foreground.
Modular wooden shelving with geometric and architectural designs, featuring cutouts and patterns, set against a yellow background.
Modern educational space with integrated seating, light wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, circular ceiling lights, and two people sitting in the background.
Interior view of a play area with yellow and wooden architectural features, including arches and geometric shapes. Two people are present, standing on an upper level behind a yellow railing. The design resembles a playful, artistic structure.
Three people interacting in a modern, minimalist interior with wooden steps and a bright yellow partition.
Modern interior with wooden flooring, yellow architectural details, open staircases, and a person seated. Large windows overlook a workspace with tables and easels.
Modern interior seating area with light wood furniture and storage compartments under a countertop, featuring geometric design and subdued lighting.
Man sitting on staircase using smartphone
Interior view of a staircase with a wooden handrail and yellow vertical railings, alongside a beige stone wall with a directional sign.
Yellow metal staircase railing with wooden handrail on wooden stairs.
Exterior of a modern building with large windows reflecting ambient light, labeled 'The National Gallery' and 'The Roden Centre for Creative Learning'. People walking with umbrellas.
Modern beige stone building with vertical window slits, large windows, and a reflective wet pavement in front.