New Entrance & Indigenous Art Galleries
In 2007, the NGA began construction on a major building extension. Designed by Andrew Anderson AM of PTW Architects, it was the NGA’s first increase in permanent collection space. Opening in September 2010, it delivered 11 new galleries devoted to Indigenous art, state-of-the-art back of house facilities and a new public entry.
Return of the Sculpture Gallery
It took over 12 months of planning, extensive restoration, and refurbishment, plus a new ceiling and lighting system – to transform the space back into the dedicated sculpture gallery that architect Col Madigan had originally intended. Complete with Brancusi’s iconic Birds in space sculpture reinstated within a new reflecting pool as part of the NGA's 25th Birthday celebrations.
Jim Lambie
Sound System 2015
The NGA acquired Scottish artist Jim Lambie’s Sound system, a kaleidoscopic floor based architectural installation. Covering the entire area of the foyer, the work creates an immersive experience that transforms the dynamics of the space - changing a quiet foyer into an energetic experience
International Art
Collection Display
Major Gallery Refurbishment
A major renovation of the NGA’s ground floor galleries was carried out in 2006. revealing many of the building’s original architectural features, and delivering a new international art gallery and Indian and southeast Asian art display, that highlighted both the NGA’s exceptional collections and the building’s architecture
Barnett Newman
Broken Obelisk 2005
Barnett Newman’s monumental sculpture Broken Obelisk was loaned to the National Gallery of Australia in 2018, by the Barnett Newman Foundation. The work, loaned to coincide with the exhibition American Masters was later gifted to the NGA in honour of Dr Gerard Vaughan the retiring director of the institution
