Sydney Modern Project: A New Architectural Marvel
When it comes to striking architecture, Sydney is perhaps best known for its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. However, a new and exciting architectural highlight will soon open its doors in December—the Sydney Modern Project.
The Sydney Modern Project is the new museum for contemporary art being developed by the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW). This ambitious expansion aims to position Sydney alongside cultural powerhouses such as New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and London’s Tate Modern, making it a must-visit destination for modern art enthusiasts.
What’s Special About the Sydney Modern Project?
The Art Gallery of New South Wales describes this expansion as “one of the most ambitious cultural landmarks in Australia to open since the Sydney Opera House almost 50 years ago,” due to its impressive scale and creative vision.
With stunning views of Sydney’s renowned harbor and the Royal Botanic Gardens, the new museum is being designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects SANAA. This notable firm has previously completed significant projects such as the Louvre-Lens in France and New York’s New Museum. The building will significantly enhance the existing AGNSW premises, effectively doubling its exhibition space, and visitors can enjoy a land bridge connecting both locations which will feature an outdoor public art garden offering breathtaking city views.
This is SANAA’s inaugural project in Australia, and it has set new standards for museum design. It is the first art museum in Australia to receive the highest rating for sustainable design, incorporating features such as solar panels, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and the use of environmentally friendly materials.
The innovative architectural design complements the rich art collections inside, emphasizing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in the new gallery spaces, which are substantial enough to showcase large-scale artworks effectively.
What Art Can You See at Sydney Modern?
Recently, museum curators revealed that original artworks have been commissioned from nine acclaimed local and international artists, with over half created by female artists and three by Indigenous artists. Notable contributors include Yayoi Kusama, Lorraine Connell-Northey, Karla Kickens, Sumryn Gill, Jonathan Jones, Richard Lewer, Lee Mingwei, Lisa Reihana, and Francis Upritchard.
Artworks will be displayed both indoors and outdoors, with numerous pieces accessible to the public both during the day and in the evening.
Featured artworks include a captivating floral sculpture by Japanese artist Kusama, welcoming onlookers day and night; a new piece by Waradgerie (Wiradjuri) artist Kickens reflecting on the ongoing impact of colonialism and patriarchy; as well as a thought-provoking moving image by Māori artist Reihana exploring the historical ties between Australia and New Zealand.
The facility will also feature a decommissioned WWII naval oil tank, which is being transformed into an exhibition space hosting rotating artworks.
According to Dr. Michael Brand, the director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, “Together, these new works establish the expanded Art Gallery as a global art museum offering a unique experience in Sydney—one that is responsive, purposeful, and engaging, where each visit creates new encounters, new stories, and new connections.”
When to See It
The Sydney Modern Project is expected to open in December, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. For further details, please visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales site.
If You Can’t Wait That Long…
For those eager to experience contemporary art sooner, local venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), the White Rabbit Gallery, or Carriageworks offer a variety of contemporary exhibitions. If you are a fan of Yayoi Kusama’s artistry but can’t make it to Sydney promptly, her work can be found at various locations worldwide.
