New plans for the revitalisation of the National Sculpture Garden announced

Following a competition of the revitalisation of Canberra’s National Sculpture Garden, the National Gallery of Australia has announced multi-disciplinary team CO-AP Holdings as the winning team.

Selected for their vision based on respect, care and future ambition for the iconic three-hectare site, the NGA and CO-AP Holdings will now begin to work together to transform the space over 2025.

Sculpture Garden competition winning team, photo by Sam Cooper.

Putting forward a number of design options, each outlining a sustainable approach for its long term-future, their draft design imagined a Sculpture Garden that re-connects the National Gallery with the surrounding landscape.

Designs that will be explored for the final design include replacing the existing marquee with a permanent stainless-steel and glass pavilion, creating a new space for exhibitions, events and education programmes. As well as seven distinct interconnecting gardens showcasing Australia’s rich biodiversity, a new promenade and multi-use campus square at the Gallery forecourt, more than double the space for art and cultural experiences across the gardens, and embedding First Nations principles and perspectives.

Artist interpretation of proposed new Gallery Forecourt, photo by Choirender.

“The Jury were struck by the devotion and care CO-AP Holdings had for the National Sculpture Garden. CO-AP Holdings understood the significance and gravitas of the existing garden and its legacy, but also the importance of bringing the garden into the 21^st century,” says National Gallery Director, Dr Nick Mitzevich.

“We are excited by their vision to renew and reconnect the Gallery with the garden, and more than double the amount of space for works of art. We want our visitors to feel they are in a landscape that is enveloped in art and architecture,” he says.

Comprising of CO-AP, Studio JEF, TARN, and Plus Minus Design as the winning design team, Will Fung from CO-AP says they decided to enter based on a shared deep love for the Sculpture Gardens.

“We feel that this is a sustainable and respectful design decision. We are very much looking forward to exploring, developing and implementing our ideas for the National Sculpture Garden with the National Gallery of Australia,” says Fung.

The largest investment into the garden since its creation, the National Sculpture Garden project will be supported by philanthropic bodies.

Visit the National Gallery of Australia for the latest information on the project.