'New Look' National Gallery of Australia Set to Open

The National Gallery of Australia is set to unveil its biggest transformation since its creation in 1982. This spring, visitors to the Gallery in Canberra will walk though a striking new entrance and be greeted by 11 specially designed Indigenous art galleries, showcasing works from the largest collection of Australian Indigenous art in the world.

For the first time in one place, visitors will experience the great diversity, richness and complexity of Australian Indigenous art, which is as alive today as it was thousands of years ago. The Gallery's collection spans generations and is representative of the arts of Indigenous groups from all over Australia.

The new galleries include rare 19th-century objects and early bark paintings, Albert Namatjira's delicate watercolours, early Papunya dot paintings from the 1970s, bold ochred paintings from the Kimberley and contemporary politically charged works by urban artists in the twenty-first century.

When visitors first enter the Gallery, they will see one of the most significant works in the national collection in a circular, light-filled space: The Aboriginal Memorial 1987â88 of 200 hollow-log coffins from Arnhem Land.

Another new addition is the Great Southern Hall, a purpose-built function space for art events, openings and corporate functions, which opens up onto the new beautifully designed Australian Gardens. American artist James Turrell has created a monumental 'Skyspace' sculpture in the new gardens, in the shape of a magnificent dome through which viewers can view the ever-changing light patterns of the sky.

The new look National Gallery of Australia also includes a new, expanded Shop, showcasing beautifully designed products and creative gift items: contemporary Australian design, dedicated high-quality children's books, Asian textiles, a great selection of specialist art and design publications and more.

A whole program of exhibitions and special events will celebrate the opening season at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. Commencing with Robert Dowling: Tasmanian son of Empire in July, it continues with Life, death and magic: 2000 years of Southeast Asian ancestral art in August and concludes with the blockbuster Ballets Russes: the art of costume, featuring costumes designed by artists including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Giorgio de Chirico as well as drawings, stage scenery and photographs. The famous Ballets Russes revolutionised ballet with its sensational fusion of art, movement and music.

For more information visit www.nga.gov.au