Artist's impressions revealed for expanded Newcastle Art Gallery

Artist's impressions of the Newcastle Art Gallery's new interior reveal a grand new entry, sleek, modern aesthetic, light-filled rooms and an expansive range of exhibition spaces.

Digital versions of artworks from the Gallery's extensive collection help bring the new spaces to life, including the renowned ‘The sea sun of 5 bells’ work by Newcastle's John Olsen, which will once again be hung.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is wonderful to get a glimpse of what the community can look forward to once the long-awaited expansion is complete and added "the Newcastle Art Gallery will deliver a significant cultural tourism opportunity for NSW, providing greater access to one of Australia's most significant public collections of art and a wider range of prominent local, national and international exhibitions.

"By extending the building's footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street, we're able to more than double the size of the Gallery with new exhibition space, a suite of modern facilities, and for the first time in the Gallery's history, a permanent cafe that will complement and enhance the experience for visitors from near and far to this landmark cultural facility.

"After more than a decade of advocacy to make the expansion a reality, it's amazing to watch the new Art Gallery taking shape with work progressing well on site, while the animated flythrough allows us to step inside and get a feel of what awaits once we can welcome our community back into their reimagined space."

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said excitement was building among its members and donors, with the presentation of a cheque for $4.55 million to Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen for the expansion.

Galwey noted “It is the largest payment by the Foundation to date and brings our total contribution to 50% of our $13 million funding target, in line with the construction milestone.

“This cheque represents many years of philanthropic giving, community passion, advocacy and fundraising for a world class gallery for Newcastle and the Hunter.

“It’s wonderful to celebrate this milestone payment as we get our first look at what we can expect inside this flagship cultural asset.

“The Foundation thanks its members and donors for their generosity and unwavering support for this project over many years. We believe these images will inspire additional excitement and community support as the Foundation works towards its ambitious $13 million philanthropic goal.”

Construction is moving forward on site following extensive site preparation and mine grouting works, with the ground floor slabs for the new Gallery spaces and cafe now complete.

Image top: Newcastle Art Gallery first floor gallery space with John Olsen The sea sun of 5 bells work on ceiling; Image above: An artist's impression of the aerial view of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.