The National Gallery of Australia has announced it will build a new café and dining destination, with award-winning Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA) appointed as the designer.
Set to open by July 2025, the new dining space will be located at the main entrance and will open onto the Australian Garden with views of James Turrell’s Skyspace Within without.
Selected through an open tender process, KTA’s impressive portfolio of architectural projects spans from heritage-listed sites and cultural institutions. They have also worked on major architectural designs including the Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge, which received significant accolades, and the recent Melbourne Holocaust Museum.
In 2023 Kerstin Thompson was also awarded the Australian Institute of Architects’ highest honour, recognising distinguished services by architects.
“The National Gallery looks forward to creating a new dining venue to add significant dimension to the amenity and the experience of the National Gallery – great food and beverage served in an inspiring new space will provide new opportunities for connection, reflection and enjoyment,” says NGA Director, Nick Mitzevich.
The first Kamberri/Canberra region project KTA has worked on, Architect Kerstin Thompson says, “It is an honour to be able to work within the iconic architecture of the National Gallery of Australia.”
“The new dining experience will extend the National Gallery’s art experience. We imagine it will be integral to the Gallery circuit, a further place for the display of, immersion in, and engagement with art. A destination for National Gallery visitors but also for locals passing by. Welcoming, connected to landscape, a place to meet, stay a while,” she says.
Offering a range of dining options for visitors to the National Gallery and the local cultural precinct, the team at Trippas White Group, who manage iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, will be the caterer of the new café.
Stay up to date with the National Gallery of Australia’s new café via their website.
Images: Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge by Rory Gardiner. Melbourne Holocaust Museum by Derek Swall and Leo Showell.
