The Art Gallery of New South Wales Is Getting a Massive New $224 Million Extension

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is set to double in size, with the NSW Government confirming a $224 million investment in the ambitious Sydney Modern expansion project.

First proposed in 2013, the plan is to extend the historic gallery to the north east. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2019, and is expected to be completed in time for the gallery's 150 year anniversary celebrations in 2021.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the extension will include eight low lying pavilions that will come to rest on two decommissioned oil tanks, that will themselves be turned into exhibition spaces. The additional floor space will allow the gallery to display more of its $1.3 billion collection, including a large amount of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, the bulk of which is currently in storage. It will also include areas for education programs, film screenings and live performances.

"Our expanded gallery will deliver an iconic building that combines art, architecture and landscape in an extraordinary way, and in one of the most breathtaking locations in the world," said gallery director Dr. Michael Brand.

It is estimated that the expanded gallery will attract around two million visitors a year, and is more likely to snag touring international exhibitions.

In addition to the $224 million from taxpayers, the gallery will seek a further $100 million in private donations, $70 million of which has already been pledged. The plan is to launch a fundraising campaign to make up the remaining $30 million later this year.