We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands.

Sydney Modern Project Update: July 2022

The Art Gallery of NSW looks forward to welcoming visitors to its transformed home for art when its new building officially opens to the public on Saturday, 3 December 2022.

As part of the Sydney Modern Project, the Art Gallery has commissioned nine major site-specific artworks by leading artists Lorraine Connelly-Northey (Australia), Karla Dickens (Australia), Simryn Gill (Australia/Malaysia), Jonathan Jones (Australia), Yayoi Kusama (Japan), Lee Mingwei (France/USA), Richard Lewer (Australia), Lisa Reihana (Aotearoa New Zealand), and Francis Upritchard (UK/Italy/Aotearoa New Zealand).

When the expanded Art Gallery opens, visitors will experience art right across the campus – indoor and outdoor – from the inaugural exhibitions in the new building to the completely re-installed galleries in the existing building.

The Art Gallery’s collection will be accentuated by bold and compelling new artworks that contribute to important global conversations of our time from our place here in the Asia Pacific.

Construction update

In recent months, the following works have taken place:

  • Completion of the building’s glazed and limestone facades

  • Installation of photovoltaic (solar) panels on the roof of the entrance pavilion providing the building with renewable energy

  • Installation of wall, floor and ceiling finishes, including internal lighting

  • Construction of art walls within the gallery spaces

  • Installation of internal and external glazed balustrades, and internal stainless-steel handrails and balustrades

  • Insulation and waterproofing to remaining roofs and commencement of green roof installation

  • Installation of joinery to back of house areas

  • Completion of the contoured rammed earth wall on Lower Level 1 and Lower Level 2, including the domed rammed earth wall to the circular gallery space

  • Lift car installation and escalator finishes

  • Pouring of external concrete topping slabs to the welcome plaza

  • Commencement of testing and commissioning of building services

  • In-ground services, pouring of base slabs, installation of paving, and commencement of planting within the landscape works zone at the front of the existing Art Gallery building.

Extended construction hours 

Extended construction hours for minor works have been approved to enable completion and commissioning of project elements impacted by the pandemic and inclement weather. Approval was granted under a modification to the State Significant Development by the Department of Planning and Environment on 1 June 2022.

This modification permits low impact internal and external works during the following extended hours (in addition to standard construction hours):

  • Monday-Friday: 6pm – 12am

  • Saturday: 3:30pm – 12am

  • Sunday: 7am – 12am

  • Public holidays: no construction work to be carried out.

Most work undertaken during extended hours will be inside the new building. The minor external works to take place during the extended construction hours will predominantly be focused on landscape works at the front of the existing Art Gallery building and along Art Gallery Road. Any noise generated by internal or external work undertaken during this period will be low level. In accordance with the modification, extended construction hours cease at the time of public opening of the new building on 3 December 2022.

Upcoming works

Construction over the next three months will focus on:

  • Installation of automated doors and internal blinds and curtains

  • Installation of the curved glass panels to the welcome plaza canopy

  • Installation of joinery, furniture, fixtures and equipment

  • Installation of external lighting, green roofs and landscaping

  • Continued testing and commissioning of building systems.

Deliveries via both Art Gallery Road and Lincoln Crescent site gates will continue to support the works underway on-site.

Pedestrian and vehicle access

Access around the Sydney Modern Project site continues in line with the wayfinding map shown.

Due to an increased volume of construction work, vehicles, and pedestrians in the area, we ask everyone to abide by all road rules in this shared zone, including directions from traffic controllers. Thank you to everyone for their cooperation, understanding, and patience as we create a new art museum experience for everyone to enjoy.

All parking bays in front of the existing Art Gallery building have been removed as part of the landscaping works taking place in this area.

The bus stop for Bus 441 is temporarily relocated to the south of the Art Gallery on Art Gallery Road. The Art Gallery Road footpath adjacent to the site is closed to pedestrians, however the Domain side footpath remains open. A temporary accessible pedestrian crossing is located south of the Art Gallery. An accessible ramp is located on the southern side of the Art Gallery.

Map showing alternative route to/from Woolloomooloo and accessible route to/from Woolloomooloo via lift (or stairs). The latter route includes a steep gradient. Pedestrian access routes may temporarily change with signposting to advise alternative routes.

Keeping you informed

We are committed to keeping the community informed as the project progresses.

For more information about the Art Gallery’s expansion and transformation, see the Sydney Modern Project FAQs.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us:

Tel 1800 717 705
smp@richardcrookes.com.au