The Andrews Labor Government has revealed striking designs for Australia’s largest art gallery – NGV Contemporary – which will position Victoria as a global arts destination and deliver thousands of jobs to the state.
The Australian-designed architectural statement at Southbank will include arched entries and an expansive rooftop terrace with views of Melbourne’s CBD, parklands and beyond to the Yarra Ranges.
Selected by an eminent jury, the winning design by Angelo Candalepas and Associates will boast 13,000 square metres of display space, crowned with a rooftop sculpture terrace and restaurant.
Candalepas and Associates will lead a collective of 20 Victorian and Australian-based firms with expertise across architecture, design and engineering. The winning design was selected from a shortlist in a two-stage process that began with an open call for submissions from Australian architects and multi-discipline design teams.
Delivering a globally-recognisable landmark to Melbourne, NGV Contemporary will provide unparalleled exhibition spaces, educational spaces, studios and scientific laboratories for conservation of art work.
Melbourne Arts Precinct will offer new public parklands which run from St Kilda Road, Southbank and through to Melbourne’s riverfront – connecting the city’s iconic cultural destinations and enveloping NGV Contemporary.
Larger than the MCG playing surface, the public parkland will incorporate retail and hospitality offerings along with space for events, performances and new public art.
More than 11,000 jobs will be created over the life of the project and the gallery will generate hundreds of ongoing creative sector jobs when it opens in 2028.
NGV Contemporary is part of the Labor Government’s landmark $1.7 billion investment in the Melbourne Arts Precinct transformation and includes the extensive restoration of the State Theatre.
To see designs, go to ngv.vic.gov.au/ngv-contemporary.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson
"We are adding Australia’s largest contemporary art gallery to an already amazing precinct – we’ll deliver a gallery and experiences that make Victorians proud.”
“NGV Contemporary will be Australian designed and Australian made, creating thousands of local jobs and becoming an iconic reference for our great city on a global stage.”
Quote attributable to National Gallery of Victoria Director Tony Ellwood
“With its uplifting and generous architecture, this design provides all Victorians with a timeless building for arts and culture that will be loved for generations.”
Quote attributable to Candalepas and Associates principal Angelo Candalepas
“Melbourne is the cultural capital of this nation and NGV Contemporary marks its next great offering to the world. This building will be a beacon of the culture of our time.”
Reviewed 14 March 2022