A transformative national memorial honoring Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, is set to grace St. James’s Park in central London, with a striking Wind Sculpture by celebrated British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA as a centerpiece. Unveiled yesterday, the winning design by Foster + Partners, selected through a rigorous international competition organized by Malcolm Reading Consultants, integrates architecture, landscape, and art to create a reflective and inclusive tribute to the Queen’s 70-year reign. The project, expected to be completed in 2027, promises to weave together history, culture, and nature in a fitting homage to Her Majesty’s legacy.
The memorial, strategically located near Buckingham Palace and the Mall, will transform a historic section of St. James’s Park into a serene, multi-layered space. Designed to evoke both personal and collective remembrance, it features a “tranquil family” of royal gardens, a translucent cast-glass bridge inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding tiara, and new figurative sculptures of the Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Shonibare’s contribution, a vibrant Wind Sculpture in the Commonwealth Garden, will serve as a dynamic focal point, inviting visitors to engage with themes of cultural hybridity, colonial history, and global interconnectedness that define his internationally acclaimed work.
Yinka Shonibare, honored with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019, is renowned for his thought-provoking sculptures and installations that explore identity, post-colonialism, and the complexities of global cultural exchange. His Wind Sculptures, characterized by vibrant, flowing forms resembling Ankara fabrics caught in motion, have captivated audiences worldwide, with notable installations in New York’s Central Park, Washington, D.C.’s Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, and London’s Royal Academy. For the Queen Elizabeth II National Memorial, Shonibare’s sculpture will embody the Commonwealth’s diverse histories, reflecting the Queen’s role as a unifying figure across 56 member nations.
“This commission is a profound privilege,” Shonibare said in a statement from his studio. “The Wind Sculpture will invite contemplation of the shared histories and cultural dialogues that shaped the Queen’s reign, encouraging visitors to reflect on her legacy within a global context.” His involvement underscores the memorial’s commitment to addressing the monarchy’s complex historical ties, particularly with the Commonwealth, while celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s dedication to public service.
Led by world-renowned architect Norman Foster, the design team includes French landscape architect Michel Desvigne, whose work emphasizes ecological sensitivity, and British ecologist Professor Nigel Dunnett, celebrated for his vibrant Superbloom planting scheme at the Tower of London in 2022. Their collaborative vision comprises several distinct elements: the Communities of the UK Garden, symbolizing national unity; the Prince Philip Gate Garden, honoring the Duke’s contributions; and a natural stone path connecting the gardens to a new civic plaza, Queen Elizabeth II Place, at Marlborough Gate. This plaza will feature an equestrian statue of the Queen, while a dual statue of the royal couple will stand at Birdcage Walk, overlooking the park.
Further enriching the visitor experience, the memorial will incorporate audio installations featuring archival recordings of Queen Elizabeth II’s speeches, offering an intimate connection to her voice and legacy. The translucent cast-glass bridge, a delicate nod to the Queen’s 1947 wedding tiara, will serve as both a functional crossing and a symbolic gesture, evoking her grace and enduring presence. The Commonwealth Garden, where Shonibare’s Wind Sculpture will stand, is designed to reflect the global reach of the Queen’s influence, with plantings and materials inspired by the diverse landscapes of Commonwealth nations.
The project, overseen by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee chaired by Lord Janvrin, the Queen’s former private secretary, emerged from a competitive process that attracted 48 entries from top architectural and artistic teams worldwide. The winning design was chosen for its ability to balance solemnity with accessibility, creating a space that invites both quiet reflection and public engagement. “This memorial captures the essence of Her Majesty’s extraordinary life,” Lord Janvrin said at the unveiling. “It is a fitting tribute that will resonate with people across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”
The memorial’s development will continue with refinements over the next year, culminating in a final design unveiling in April 2026 to mark what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday. The selection of a sculptor for the figurative statues of the Queen and Prince Philip is expected later in 2025, following an additional competitive process. Construction is slated to begin in 2027, pending planning approval from Westminster City Council and other regulatory bodies. The project’s budget, estimated between £23 million and £46 million, will be funded through a combination of public and private contributions, with oversight from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The design has been praised for its sensitivity to the site’s historical and cultural significance, as well as its integration of contemporary art and ecological principles. Shonibare’s Wind Sculpture, in particular, has been highlighted as a bold yet thoughtful addition, aligning with the memorial’s aim to foster dialogue about the monarchy’s role in a diverse, modern world. The project also includes accessibility features, such as tactile elements and audio guides, to ensure inclusivity for all visitors.
As London prepares to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s unparalleled legacy, the memorial promises to be a place of pilgrimage and reflection, blending the permanence of stone and glass with the fluidity of Shonibare’s art. By 2027, St. James’s Park will not only commemorate a monarch but also invite visitors to explore the shared histories that continue to shape the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
For more information on the Queen Elizabeth II National Memorial, visit www.fosterandpartners.com
