The Australian Museum will be closed to the public from 19 August 2019 for approximately 12 months, to enable a major renovation, titled, Project Discover.
With a budget of $57.5 million, including $50.5 million from the NSW Government and $7 million to be raised, Project Discover will facilitate the first stage of the Museum’s evolution.
Cox Architects alongside the firm behind the award-winning Crystal Hall, Neeson Murcutt, are leading the design, which will be completed in time to deliver the global blockbuster exhibition, Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh in early 2021 – the most significant collection of artefacts ever to leave Egypt.
The funding enables the Australian Museum to repurpose existing storage space to significantly expand the touring exhibition halls to 1500 square metres across two levels – allowing the AM to host either one major exhibition or two exhibitions simultaneously.
As well as the transformed exhibition spaces, the redevelopment will also create new education facilities, a new museum shop, a second café, expanded Members’ Lounge, cloaking and new amenities.
Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, Kim McKay AO said the museum will still be working hard during the closure period.
“While our public spaces will temporarily close our work will continue to reach well beyond our physical walls,” said Ms McKay.
“Many of our community and school outreach programs will continue, as will the important research work of the Australian Museum Research Institute, a global leader in scientific discovery and conservation.”
