Australian architectural firm Angelo Candalepas and Associates has been chosen by the Victorian government and the National Gallery of Victoria to design NGV Contemporary, Australia’s largest contemporary art gallery. Spanning 30,000 square meters, the project features a dramatic arched entrance, a 40-meter-high spherical hall, an exhibition space exceeding 13,000 square meters, along with an expansive rooftop terrace and sculpture garden overlooking Melbourne.
Set on a distinctive triangular site, the building incorporates a walkway that cuts through the structure, connecting the park to the South Bank. This design skillfully integrates Melbourne’s vibrant art district with the wider community. The winning proposal presents a spacious, accessible building featuring a grand arched entrance facing the new public park at the intersection of South Bank Avenue and Kavanaugh Street. The eastern facade includes multi-level corridors, offering external walkways on each floor and providing visitors with panoramic views of Melbourne’s iconic skyline.
Upon entering the gallery, visitors are greeted by a space inspired by the ancient Greek concept of “omphalos,” meaning the center of the earth. The central spherical hall soars over 40 meters high, spanning multiple floors and connecting to a skylight lantern. This monumental space is designed to showcase large-scale artworks while allowing visitors to navigate through the building via spiral pathways. This journey offers a unique experience as guests move through the different levels, culminating at the rooftop terrace.
The design embraces innovative, large-scale, and highly flexible exhibition spaces equipped with state-of-the-art display systems. This allows the museum to present significant contemporary artworks and design pieces from both Australian and international artists. To enrich the cultural experience, the project also includes educational spaces, artist studios, and art conservation laboratories. Additional amenities such as spacious cafes connected directly to public parks and design shops enhance visitor engagement. Thanks to its prime location, which offers views of Melbourne’s central business district, parks, and the Yarra Ranges, a panoramic public terrace and sculpture garden have been incorporated to maximize enjoyment of the surroundings.
The project’s winning team includes Angelo Candalepas and Associates, ASPECT Studios, BoardGrove Architects, Richard Stampton Architects, Carr, Andy Fergus Design Strategy, Steensen Varming + Mott MacDonald, Taylor Thomson Whitting (TTW), Freeman Ryan Design, and AX Interactive.
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