Final designs for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth have been presented today in London, marking the centenary of her birth. The proposal, led by Foster + Partners with Michel Desvigne Paysagiste, sets out a permanent memorial park that brings together architectural, landscape and artistic elements within a single public setting.
The designs were revealed at the British Museum, where Norman Foster presented the scheme to members of the Royal Family and government representatives. The memorial follows a design competition and consultation with the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, with proposals approved in April 2026.
Memorial design combines structures, artworks and gardens
The scheme is organised as a sequence of elements within a landscaped setting. A cast-glass bridge, inspired by Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara worn by Queen Elizabeth on her wedding day, forms a central feature and introduces a new pedestrian connection.
Sculptural works are placed across the site. A bust of Queen Elizabeth in her later years has been created by Karen Newman, while a separate bronze statue overlooking The Mall at Marlborough Gate will depict the Queen at an earlier stage of her reign, based on a portrait by Pietro Annigoni. A nearby statue of Prince Philip, also by Martin Jennings, will reflect his role during her reign.
Additional features include The Commonwealth Wind Sculpture by Yinka Shonibare and a compass designed by Norman Foster, intended as a point of reference for the nations of the Commonwealth. Gardens representing both the Commonwealth and the nations of the UK are integrated into the layout, providing spaces for movement and reflection.
Project developed with multidisciplinary team and public programme
The project has been developed through collaboration across architecture, landscape, engineering and consultancy disciplines. Alongside Foster + Partners and Michel Desvigne Paysagiste, specialist contributors include Eckersley O’Callaghan for glass structures and Arup for logistics and security, supported by consultants in ecology, planning, heritage, accessibility and pedestrian movement.
The memorial was developed in consultation with the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, with His Majesty The King engaged throughout the process.
Alongside the physical memorial, a digital memorial has been launched to document Queen Elizabeth’s public life, bringing together digitised Court Circular records and materials from museums, archives and media. A new independent charity, The Queen Elizabeth Trust, has also been established.
Models and information relating to the memorial will be displayed across the UK from 24 April, including at the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh, the Millennium Centre in Cardiff and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland.