The double height entrance hall has a glazed ceiling, with a lattice of dark red glazing bars. This diffuses sunlight and is designed to be reminiscent of ancient Roman transennae.

The interior is intended to have the feel of an ancient hall. The columns within the hall are based on those at the Temple of Hera at Paestum, one of the earliest known Doric buildings. Together with the homeric frieze, specially commissioned for this room, the hall makes reference to the origins of western art, an appropriate allusion for the entrance to an art gallery.