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The Building

the edge of a large concrete brutalist building against a blue sky with a giant spherical sculpture suspended in the air

Installation view of Neil Dawson, Diamonds, 2002, commissioned 2002, purchased with the assistance of ActewAGL 2002


“The design of the Gallery building has a peculiar inquisitiveness that combines the adventure of its planned communication with geometric logic.”

Col Madigan, ‘Architect’s Statement’, 1976

Designed to be ‘an expression of the national character’, the iconic National Gallery of Australia building is a bold combination of the sculptural and the functional.

In 1967, Prime Minister Harold Holt announced that a new gallery would be built in Canberra to house the national collection. Edward Madigan Torzillo and Partners was chosen to design the building, with esteemed architect Col Madigan to lead the team.

After much deliberation, the site on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, a part of the newly-formed Parliamentary Triangle was chosen. Construction began in 1973 and was completed in 1981, before being officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1982.

The striking Brutalist edifice features sweeping bush-hammered concrete surfaces surrounded by gardens. From the outset, the challenge in designing the gallery was the need to balance public display with conservation, as well as accommodating staff and facilities for educational programs. The result is a layout based on a spiral progression of galleries spread across three floors and the entrance level. The soaring cathedral-like rooms on the first floor give way to more intimate galleries, complete with parquetry floors, on the upper levels.

Construction began on the first major extension to the existing building in 2007. Designed by Andrew Andersons AM of PTW Architects, the extension – which included improved accessibility alongside new additions such as Gandel Hall – was opened in 2010. Importantly, the eleven new galleries dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art are the first in Australia designed specifically for this purpose. The six hundred works of art on display, from a collection of over 7,500, reflect the richness and diversity of Indigenous artistic practice across the country.

The National Gallery of Australia acknowledges its proud role as custodian of a significant heritage-listed public building and gardens and is committed to enhancing the building to remove barriers to access, meeting the needs of all visitors.

National Gallery of Australia front entrance and installation view of Neil Dawson, Diamonds, 2002, commissioned 2002, purchased with the assistance of ActewAGL 2002 and Thanakupi (Thancoupie Gloria Fletcher AO), Dhaynagwidh/Thaynakwith people, Eran, 2010, acquired through the Founding Donors' Fund 2010. © the estate of the artist, licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency Ltd.

Architect's statement

A view of blue sky beyond a cathedral-like high concrete undercroft

Design and construction

Landscape photo of a largo white concrete building, late in the construction phase

Related


James Turrell's 'Within without'

Large sculptural work, pyramid shaped with greenery on the side of the structure.

Within without is a major Skyspace by American artist James Turrell, one of his largest and most complex to date.

About Us

photograph of exterior detail of the National Gallery building

The National Gallery is Australia’s leading national visual arts institution dedicated to collecting, sharing and celebrating art.

Janet Fieldhouse
Art Makers x National Gallery

Janet Fieldhouse's commission is the second instalment of the Art Makers series in the National Gallery Sculpture Garden.

Fiona Hall's Fern Garden

Photograph of Fiona Hall's Fern Garden

At the beginning of 1996 Mary Eagle, then the National Gallery's Senior Curator of Australian Art, approached Fiona Hall to consider a commission.

Contemporary Australian Architects Speaker Series

Photograph of domestic exterior with large concrete balcony above

The annual lecture series presented in partnership with the Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter).

Art Makers x National Gallery

The first in the Art Makers commission series, Linda Marrinon’s Woman in jumpsuit is in the National Gallery Sculpture Garden.

Yuuma, Gurruburri

The National Gallery acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Kamberri/Canberra region, and recognises their continuous connection to culture, community and Country.

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Opening Acknowledgment of Country

The National Gallery acknowledges the First Peoples of this land and recognises their continuous connection to culture, community and Country

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Aerial view of artist Lola Greeno walking along Rocky Beach
Aerial view of artist Lola Greeno walking along Rocky Beach
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