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NEWS
Australia's first museum unveils AU$285m redevelopment masterplan
POSTED 15 Dec 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
The expansion would allow the museum to display 20 per cent of its collection of 18 million items – up from the current 1 per cent
Sydney’s Australian Museum has unveiled a AU$285m(US$214m, €201m, £168.6m) masterplan proposing a new multi-storey extension to stretch over the top of its existing building in the largest redevelopment in the institution’s 189-year history.

The Barrabuwari Muru (future path) masterplan by Hames Sharley places a new extension in the museum’s eastern quarter, an area currently taking up a car park and storage facility.

The 2,700sq m (29,000sq ft) extension and wider redevelopment will more than triple museum floorspace, up from 6,500sq m to 20,000sq m, allowing the museum to exhibit as much of 20 per cent of its 18 million-strong collection of artefacts – an increase from the current 1 per cent.

The new masterplan envisages a great hall at the site’s centre. Created by removing existing buildings between heritage-listed parts of the museum, the 70 metre-long hall could accommodate up to 2,000 people at one time.

A large new space for temporary exhibitions would also be created, “allowing Sydney to compete on the global stage” in terms of international blockbusters.



In preparation for the masterplan, the museum has commenced an extensive transformation programme to upgrade existing facilities including its Crystal Hall opened last year; a new First Australians Gallery featuring two new permanent exhibitions; the Pacific Spirit Gallery; a new rooftop restaurant; and the restoration of the Long Gallery – Australia’s first museum gallery – reopening as the Westpac Long Gallery in late 2017.

In addition to a reimagining of the existing space, the museum will create new education and community facilities, including new learning spaces, a theatre, an Indigenous and Pacific cultural centre and new DNA labs.

The masterplan has been submitted to the NSW Government for consideration as part of the State Cultural Infrastructure Strategy. An architect for the project is yet to be appointed. The museum – originally designed in 1857 by architect Mortimer Lewis – is planning to hold a international design competition for the new building held over two stages. Once approved, the museum is planning to start construction on the new building in 2018m with the extension to be open by 2022.
The Barrabuwari Muru (future path) masterplan by Hames Sharley places a new extension in the museum’s eastern quarter
The 2,700sq m (29,000sq ft) extension and wider redevelopment will more than triple museum floorspace
The new masterplan envisages a great hall at the site’s centre
The masterplan has been submitted to the NSW Government for consideration as part of the State Cultural Infrastructure Strategy
RELATED STORIES
  Past meets the future as architects unveil design for Perth's new WA Museum


Architects Hassell + OMA have unveiled their design for Perth’s AUS$428m (US$325m, €290.8m, £245.7m) Western Australian Museum building, with global contractor Brookfield Multiplex chosen to lead the landmark development.
  Rem Koolhaas wins AU$428m Western Australia Museum project


The development of the new Western Australian Museum building in Perth has reached a significant milestone, with a design team led by international architects OMA now in negotiations to oversee the project.
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Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
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NEWS
Australia's first museum unveils AU$285m redevelopment masterplan
POSTED 15 Dec 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
The expansion would allow the museum to display 20 per cent of its collection of 18 million items – up from the current 1 per cent
Sydney’s Australian Museum has unveiled a AU$285m(US$214m, €201m, £168.6m) masterplan proposing a new multi-storey extension to stretch over the top of its existing building in the largest redevelopment in the institution’s 189-year history.

The Barrabuwari Muru (future path) masterplan by Hames Sharley places a new extension in the museum’s eastern quarter, an area currently taking up a car park and storage facility.

The 2,700sq m (29,000sq ft) extension and wider redevelopment will more than triple museum floorspace, up from 6,500sq m to 20,000sq m, allowing the museum to exhibit as much of 20 per cent of its 18 million-strong collection of artefacts – an increase from the current 1 per cent.

The new masterplan envisages a great hall at the site’s centre. Created by removing existing buildings between heritage-listed parts of the museum, the 70 metre-long hall could accommodate up to 2,000 people at one time.

A large new space for temporary exhibitions would also be created, “allowing Sydney to compete on the global stage” in terms of international blockbusters.



In preparation for the masterplan, the museum has commenced an extensive transformation programme to upgrade existing facilities including its Crystal Hall opened last year; a new First Australians Gallery featuring two new permanent exhibitions; the Pacific Spirit Gallery; a new rooftop restaurant; and the restoration of the Long Gallery – Australia’s first museum gallery – reopening as the Westpac Long Gallery in late 2017.

In addition to a reimagining of the existing space, the museum will create new education and community facilities, including new learning spaces, a theatre, an Indigenous and Pacific cultural centre and new DNA labs.

The masterplan has been submitted to the NSW Government for consideration as part of the State Cultural Infrastructure Strategy. An architect for the project is yet to be appointed. The museum – originally designed in 1857 by architect Mortimer Lewis – is planning to hold a international design competition for the new building held over two stages. Once approved, the museum is planning to start construction on the new building in 2018m with the extension to be open by 2022.
The Barrabuwari Muru (future path) masterplan by Hames Sharley places a new extension in the museum’s eastern quarter
The 2,700sq m (29,000sq ft) extension and wider redevelopment will more than triple museum floorspace
The new masterplan envisages a great hall at the site’s centre
The masterplan has been submitted to the NSW Government for consideration as part of the State Cultural Infrastructure Strategy
RELATED STORIES
Past meets the future as architects unveil design for Perth's new WA Museum


Architects Hassell + OMA have unveiled their design for Perth’s AUS$428m (US$325m, €290.8m, £245.7m) Western Australian Museum building, with global contractor Brookfield Multiplex chosen to lead the landmark development.
Rem Koolhaas wins AU$428m Western Australia Museum project


The development of the new Western Australian Museum building in Perth has reached a significant milestone, with a design team led by international architects OMA now in negotiations to oversee the project.
MORE NEWS
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
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COMPANY PROFILES
IDEATTACK

IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and design company with headquarters in Los Angeles. [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
Clip 'n Climb

Clip ‘n Climb currently offers facility owners and investors more than 40 colourful and unique Cha [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
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