Existing building and revitalisation
As part of the Sydney Modern Project transformation, the Art Gallery of NSW has undertaken a program of works to its historic building with Australian architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. The upgrades restored original architectural features of the building, provided more space for art and scholarship, and enhanced the visitor experience and sustainable operations.
The Art Gallery worked with Infrastructure NSW on the delivery of some projects. Most of the projects commenced in 2021 and were completed prior to the public opening of the new building in December 2022
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Key facts Existing building
Key architectural features restored to their full grandeur including the 19th-century vestibule designed by Walter Liberty Vernon and the double height atrium in the 20th-century Australian galleries designed by Andrew Andersons
Refurbishment works to Vernon’s original Grand Courts including new energy-saving LED lighting
Expansion and relocation of the Capon Research Library and National Art Archive with full accessibility
New and expanded facilities for the Art Gallery’s 30,000-plus members and volunteers
New and upgraded public amenities
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Program of works
Restoring the original entrance vestibule to its full grandeur, showcasing Walter Liberty Vernon’s 19th-century architecture.
Reinstating the internal balconies overlooking the 8.5-metre-high atrium in the 1972 wing designed by Andrew Andersons, once again providing an important visual connection between the two levels. This has created a more dynamic art experience with the Art Gallery’s significant collection of 20th-century Australian art including large-scale works.
Revealing the existing large windows on the northeast facade of the 1972 wing to provide direct sightlines across the public art garden to the new building designed by SANAA. These architectural features have been subsumed over the past decades by operational requirements and demands for more art-hanging space.
Relocation of the major temporary exhibition space from Lower Level 1 to Lower Level 2 with more space, higher ceilings, new energy-saving LED lighting and improved public amenities.
Refurbishment works to the original Grand Courts galleries, including restoration of the heritage fabric, new energy-saving LED lighting, and removal of a staircase added in the late 1970s.
Significant expansion and relocation of the Capon Research Library and National Art Archive to Lower Level 3 with full accessibility.
Expanded and upgraded facilities for the 30,000-plus members of the Art Gallery Society of NSW – the lounge capacity has doubled and will include a new outdoor garden terrace.
Enhanced dedicated area and facilities for volunteers.
New and upgraded public amenities and collaborative workspaces for staff including the Rudy Komon Curatorial Centre and a design studio.
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About the Vernon building
The Art Gallery of New South Wales was founded in 1871 as the NSW Academy of Art. Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2021, the Art Gallery and its buildings have evolved to celebrate the art of the time and meet the changing needs of audiences.
In 1896 construction commenced on the Art Gallery’s existing building in The Domain designed by NSW Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon.
Work on a new wing commenced in 1968 and was completed in 1972. The Sulman-award winning extension, designed by architect Andrew Andersons, reshaped the way the Art Gallery operates and displays its collection.
The 1988 extension to the Art Gallery, also designed by architect Andrew Andersons, provided more display space for the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, a 300-seat theatre and a new expanded gallery for Asian art.
In 2003, a new Asian gallery, designed by architect Richard Johnson, opened. The development was part of a wider building project that included alterations to the original Asian gallery, new exhibition space, conservation studios, a cafe, restaurant and function area.
With the relocation of its storage facility off-site, the Art Gallery opened a new floor of contemporary galleries in 2011 featuring the John Kaldor Family Gallery and the Belgiorno-Nettis Family Galleries.
To support the Sydney Modern Project and the future needs of the Gallery, we are weaving a sequence of new facilities into the existing building, respecting its tradition of significant architectural quality and improving its environmental and functional performance.