The Art Gallery of New South Wales expansion has been officially opened by NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for the Arts and Tourism Ben Franklin who greeted the first visitors to the state's must-see architectural and cultural landmark.
More than 17,000 people had registered to be first in line across the opening weekend to visit the new world-class building that doubles the space for art and provides even more incredible creative and cultural experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Art Gallery of NSW expansion was part of the NSW Government's record investment in arts and culture.
"This is a major investment in art, artists and culture that will attract the world's biggest touring art exhibitions to Sydney, the nation's cultural capital," Mr Perrottet said.
"I'm delighted to officially open this must-see destination, which is the most significant cultural infrastructure project in NSW since the Sydney Opera House.
"The spectacular new building and the revitalisation of the original Art Gallery building is one of the crowning infrastructure achievements of the NSW Government. I thank each and every individual who assisted to deliver this project of this quality, on time, and on budget."
Minister for the Arts and Tourism Ben Franklin said he looked forward to the expanded Art Gallery attracting thousands of visitors from across the state, the nation and from around the world.
"Arts and culture are a vital part of what makes Sydney and NSW not only the best place in the world to live but a major national and international destination for visitors," Mr Franklin said.
"The NSW Government has every expectation that the benefits of this project will be reaped for many years, with over a billion dollars generated for the NSW economy over the next 25 years.
"The expansion includes a dedicated gallery that showcases and celebrates the Art Gallery's internationally renowned collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.This is the first exhibition space encountered by visitors on the entrance level of the building, demonstrating the significance of this collection."
Art Gallery of NSW Director Michael Brand said the expansion will inspire the next generation of Australian artists.
"The Art Gallery and its collection belong to everyone in the state and we're incredibly proud and excited to be welcoming the first visitors to our new building today," said Mr Brand
"From our dazzling new stage, we now offer even more art experiences worthy of our magnificent location on Gadigal Country, our history, the many who have contributed to the development over the past 151 years and the many who will look to us for joy, inspiration and insight in the coming decades."
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects SANAA, the new building is the centerpiece of the Art Gallery of NSW campus, enhancing this site as one of the world's most beautiful cultural precincts. The Art Gallery was the first public art museum in the nation to achieve the highest environmental standard for design with a Green Building Council of Australia 6-star Green Star design rating.
