Construction works are now underway to expand the Sydney Modern Project, which will almost double the size of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Richard Crookes Constructions is the builder for the project, managed by Infrastructure NSW behalf of the NSW Government. Underground oil tanks will be converted into an exhibition space as part of the project.
“The Sydney Modern Project is a major public investment that will enrich the cultural life of our State and deliver economic benefits for generations to come, injecting more than $1 billion into the NSW economy,” said NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
“The $344 million expansion will create an international art destination in one of the world’s most beautiful cultural precincts for everyone to enjoy. Gallery visitor numbers are expected to increase to at least two million people a year.”
NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin said the Gallery’s new building, designed by Pritzker-prize winning architects SANAA, would be an architectural and cultural landmark.
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“The Sydney Modern Project will almost double the space to show more of the State’s outstanding art collection and host the best Australian and international exhibitions,” he said.
“One of the highlights of the expansion will be a prominent destination for the Gallery’s internationally renowned collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.”
Art Gallery of NSW Director Michael Brand said the Sydney Modern Project would transform the Gallery and the way visitors engage with art.
“Our expansion is more than a stunning new building. It’s about the exciting possibilities ahead of us to deliver more rich and meaningful experiences of art for everyone,” Brand said.
Construction is expected to be completed on the Sydney Modern Project in 2022, with the gallery remaining open during the works.