Newcastle Art Gallery will finally reopen its doors to the public as part of the New Annual in September.
Following an extensive redevelopment and expansion, the gallery will feature state-of-the-art facilities aimed at giving visitors an enhanced experience and allowing it to host world-class exhibitions. 1,600 square meters of exhibition space has been added by the redevelopment which gives the gallery the chance to host a mix of permanent displays and traveling exhibitions.
The updated design thoughtfully integrates the heritage elements of the original 47-year-old structure with modern construction, expanding the gallery’s footprint along Darby and Queen Streets. There’s also a new café, a retail shop, and spaces for educational programs.
“City of Newcastle is proud to be the custodian of one of the nation’s most significant public collections of Australian and international art, which is valued at more than $126 million,” Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said.
“But with this honour comes great responsibility as we create a fit-for-purpose home for both our own collection and works of art on loan from across Australia and around the world.
“We need to get every aspect right, from the international standard humidity and temperature control system, to the global-specification loading dock and quarantine area needed to manage the safe handling of high value works of art, as well as the international standards to display the collection, which includes the top 10 works alone collectively valued at $34million.”
An estimated 150,000 visitors are expected to visit the upgraded gallery every year. You can find out more by visiting nag.org.au.
