The $344 million Sydney Modern expansion of the Art Gallery of New South Wales has received planning approval, NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin announced today.
Construction of the new building, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects, SANAA, will commence in early 2019 resulting in a spectacular near doubling of the exhibition space of the Gallery.
Due for completion in time for the Gallery's 150th anniversary in 2021, Minister Harwin says a comprehensive consultation process has cleared the way for construction.
"This approval paves the way for the Gallery to become one of the world's great art museums increasing visitation to an expected two million people a year," said Minister Harwin.
"Community feedback has played a vital role in finalising this remarkable project, and I congratulate everyone involved in the community consultation process that got us to where we are today – a green light for the Sydney Modern Project.
"I'm so pleased to announce the Green Building Council of Australia has awarded the project a 6-star Green Star design rating – the only art museum to achieve this in Australia."
The Sydney Modern Project is set to inject over $1 billion into the NSW economy over 25 years and double the number of visitors to the Art Gallery of NSW.
"The vision from SANAA for the new building is breathtaking, and I know when we open the doors to the expanded Gallery people from around NSW, Australia and across the world will marvel at what has been achieved for our State."
As well as welcoming visiting exhibitions, the Sydney Modern Project will expand the Gallery's display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks with indigenous art the first to be encountered when entering the new building.
The project will better link the Gallery with the adjacent Royal Botanic Garden, and a public Art Garden featuring art commissions from national and international artists will connect the Gallery's new and existing buildings.
"Without the extraordinary support of generous philanthropists this $344 million Sydney Modern Project simply would not be possible," said Minister Harwin.
