The MCA's new look

MoMa, Centre Pompidou, Tate Modern – watch out. Work recently began to extend Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art – both its physical space and its creative scope. On the cards is the addition of an eye-catching annex to the original museum building, an increase to the gallery's size of almost 50 per cent that will incorporate expansive multi-level galleries and a range of educational and research facilities for contemporary art aficionados.

The extension comes courtesy of award-winning architect Sam Marshall, whose previous work includes the futuristic façades of fellow institutions Object Gallery in Surry Hills and the Campbelltown Arts Centre.

Giant, asymmetrically stacked, Lego-like blocks in brown, grey and white will house the new wing. The new open-plan ground level entry will allow easy access from both Circular Quay and George Street, while a larger Museum Shop with floor-to-ceiling glass windows will tempt passers-by. Level Two will see the creation of the Library that will double as the Artist Research Centre, while further upstairs will be the National Centre for Creative Learning, a network of colourful interactive spaces and hi-tech children's classrooms. The redevelopment will also make the most of the MCA's harbourside location by including a rooftop café and Sculpture Terrace that will provide panoramic views during your mid-visit caffeine fix.

It’s all been made possible thanks to a combined effort between State and Federal governments, plus a cool $15 million donation from business exec and philanthropist Simon Mordant. The public-private partnership is set to make the museum “a cornerstone of activity in our creative industry precinct”, according to NSW premier Kristina Keneally. MCA director Elizabeth Ann McGregor adds that the additional areas to be used for acclaimed foreign works will keep the museum’s annual 500,000 visitors coming back for more. Meanwhile, the incorporation of dynamic resource centres is designed to bring Australian art to the masses via online and interactive media. “The Museum will emerge as a global leader in the delivery of world-class arts education,” McGregor says.

The MCA will operate as normal until July 2011 then close for about six months so that its exciting makeover can be completed.

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