Sydney Modern a Love Letter to the City

More than 15,000 people were expected to cross the threshold as the doors were flung open on the Sydney Modern wing of the Art Gallery of NSW at the weekend.

Touted as a “once-in-a-generation transformation of public space” it was architecturally designed by Pritzer Prize-winning architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA, alongside executive architects Architectus. 

The new wing cost $344 million to provide an additional 17,000sq m of space, seven galleries and more than 8000sq m of outdoor space comprising of gardens, terraces and green roofs. 

It’s also Australia’s first art museum to be awarded the highest rating for sustainable design. 

The Sydney Modern Project is the most significant cultural development in the city since the opening of the Sydney Opera House nearly half a century ago.

The transformational project doubles the space for the display and enjoyment of art with a second building for the gallery. It was funded through $100 million in private donations and a $244 million grant from the NSW government.

Architectus principals Luke Johnson and Dr Stephen Long, along with senior associates John Jeffrey and Jane Fielding, and more than 20 others from Architectus have been involved in the project since its inception in 2015.  

They collaborated with SANAA to bring their design vision to life, drawing on technical nous and a rigorous attention to detail.

Architectus principal Luke Johnson said the team had realised the project’s design details, which included a sculptural spiral staircase, rammed earth walls, expansive glazed gallery walls framing views across the Sydney Harbour.

The Architectus team has been involved in the Sydney Modern Project from its initial conceptual phase, gathering around sketches and models with SANAA in their Tokyo studio,” Johnson said.

“Over seven intense, rewarding years we’ve applied our deep expertise to this complex, city-shaping project, making vital contributions towards bringing Australia’s most contemporary art gallery to life.”

Art and architecture have long been bedfellows but this particular marriage of design has created something “monumental” with NSW Premier Dominic Perrotet claiming it could rival the Tate Modern or the Guggenheim.

Art Gallery of NSW director Michael Brand said the aim was to create a seamless integration of architecture and art overlooking one of the most iconic views in the world.

More than 900 artists will be featured across the new campus with nine site-specific works commissioned from Yayoi Kusama and Lee Mingwei.