Exterior view of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new building, featuring Yayoi Kusama Flowers that Bloom in the Cosmos 2022. Photo: copyright Iwan Baan
Part of a series of pages highlighting key recent major cultural infrastructure projects supported by Create NSW and other partners.
Project at a glance
The Sydney Modern Project was completed in 2022 and opened to the public on 3 December 2022.
The $344 million transformation and expansion of the Art Gallery of New South Wales created a new art museum experience across two buildings connected by a public art garden.
The new building has almost doubled exhibition space, delivering rich and diverse experiences for all visitors.
It's Australia’s first public art museum to be awarded the highest rating for sustainable design.
In 2023, the building won the prestigious Sulman Medal for public architecture awarded by the Australian Institute of Architects (NSW).
See Art Gallery of NSW website
Who is it for
Each year, over one million visitors enjoy the Art Gallery, and its collection, exhibitions and public programs of art. The new building is expected to double visitation.
The Sydney Modern Project is for everyone who loves art and for those who are curious. It's for artists, communities, students and teachers, art lovers and visitors.
The project has created an exceptional experience of art, architecture and landscape in one of the world’s most beautiful urban locations.
Who is involved
The Sydney Modern Project was delivered by Infrastructure NSW on behalf of the Art Gallery of NSW in collaboration with Create NSW. It was funded by the NSW Government and private donors.
The project was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects SANAA with Architectus as executive architect. Richard Crookes Constructions was the construction contractor for the new building.
Special features
The project involved construction of a new building (the North Building), revitalisation of the original building (the South Building), and significant landscape design.
The stunning new building features dynamic galleries, site-specific works by leading Australian and international artists, and extensive outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy.
The expansion provides dedicated spaces and facilities for learning and participation to significantly increase student and teacher visits.
The project has also delivered enhanced digital capabilities to expand engagement with schools, communities, artists and visitors across the state including regional and rural areas.
The project has a 6-star Green Star design rating and features solar cells on the entrance pavilion roof. It's Australia’s first art museum to be awarded the highest rating for sustainable design.
Timeline
The Sydney Modern Project opened to the public on 3 December 2022.
Construction on the new building commenced in November 2019.
See the key project milestones at Art Gallery of NSW - About the project page.