Neeson Murcutt + Neille

Australian Museum Project Discover

2021 AIA National Award for Public Architecture
2021 AIA National Award for Heritage Architecture
2021 AIA NSW Architecture Medallion
2021 AIA NSW Greenway Award for Heritage Architecture
2021 AIA NSW John Verge Award for Interior Architecture
2021 AIA NSW Architecture Awards – Shortlist: Public Architecture
2021 Australian Interior Design Awards – Award for Public Design
2021 DIA Designers Australia Awards – Award of Merit
2021 National Trust Awards – Commendation for Conservation: Built Heritage
2023 Property Council Innovation and Excellence Awards – Award for Best Public Building

In collaboration with COX Architecture.

Project Discover, a close collaboration between COX Architecture and Neeson Murcutt + Neille, follows Crystal Hall by Neeson Murcutt Architects that re-orientated the museum to William Street, its original frontage.

The design is highly strategic. It prioritises changes that will sustain the Museum into the long-term.

The project aspires to create a singular civic space giving a ‘heart’ to the Museum; reveal and celebrate the Museum’s rich historic layering; create legibility of movement – vertical and horizontal; enable universal public access throughout; and enhance the Museum’s engagement with William Street.

The new civic space is uncovered through the removal of The Still Addition mezzanine, while the new touring gallery is placed below this space through the relocation of 3 levels of storage. Crystal Hall is connected via a new generous threshold to the Museum. A new stair engages outwardly with the city – adding new ‘delight’ in movement through the Museum.

Featured in:
ArchitectureAU, 2021
Australian Museums and Galleries Association Magazine, 2021
Australian Design Review, 2021
Sydney Morning Herald, 2021
Architecture & Design, 2020
ABC, 2020

Photography by Brett Boardman.