If you are into all things Modernist, you must get along to Object Gallery!

What many would see as seriously retro, Object Gallery, home to Object: Australian Design Centre is one of the rare delights of modernist architecture right in the heart of Surry Hills.

Originally built on the St Margaret’s Hospital site, Modernist architect Ken Woolley designed and built the circular building as the Sisters’ Chapel in 1958. The 16-metre diameter, curved and elevated chapel is constructed using precast concrete and was originally linked to the Sisters’ Home by a walkway.

In 2004 Sam Marshall Architects redeveloped the hospital site as high-density housing and adapted the interior of Woolley’s Chapel as a contemporary exhibition space for artists and designers. It’s an attractive building; crouching amongst a cluster of Art Deco neighbours on the Bourke Street square.

The circular space is bewitching to be in. It’s veined with narrow glass windows, each one offset against a concrete panel giving a feeling of height and secluded views to this squat chunk of a chapel. The warm internal timbers are a modernist interpretation harking back to ideas of church and spire.

There are a handful of things to do while you’re there—visit Lumiere or one of several other cafes for your coffee fix, Occello for all things cheese, and the exquisite Garlands for visual and sensory floral treats. And in a tiny space under the Object gallery stairs you will find Workshopped —a rotating retail space for local makers. You can find perfect gifts, timeless trinkets and all things design here and in Object’s shop above.