Australia: The country's largest gallery will have a Greek signature

Tuesday saw the unveiling of the winning architectural proposal for the design competition for the new National Gallery of Victoria building.

At the “helm” of the proposal? The company of the renowned Greek-Australian Angelos Kandalepas.

NGV Contemporary is expected to claim the title of not only Melbourne's newest architectural gem but also the largest art gallery in Australia, covering more than 13,000 sqm of exhibition space.

And the Greek element is not limited to the architectural signature.

The central hall of the building refers to the shape of the ‘navel’ inspired by the ancient Greek concept of the centre of the earth.

This is the reception hall in the gallery that will “spiral” up to the roof of the building, exceeding 40 metres in height.

The building will also feature arches, a specially designed space on the roof, a garden with sculptures and other exhibition spaces, such as workshops and studios for educational activities.

“Melbourne is the nation's cultural capital and NGV Contemporary will be its next component,” said Angelos Kandalepas, director of the office coordinating the winning design team for NGV Contemporary.

“This building will become a landmark of the culture of our time.”.

Under Kandalepa's leadership, the team of 20 architecture, design and engineering firms from around Australia will deliver the largest contemporary art gallery in the country.

Their architectural proposal was selected by a panel of expert judges, following two phases of public competition.

And it is not the first time that the Greek-Australian architect has been chosen to coordinate large-scale projects.

Among the most recent projects he has undertaken is the 4,000 sqm renovation of the Archdiocese's 4,000 sqm premises in Sydney, worth $27 million.

Expectations are high for the NGV Contemporary, however, with the state government talking about a building that it hopes will “make Victoria the new art destination on the world stage”.

The gallery is the central redevelopment project in the $1.7 billion package for the new face of the arts precinct on Melbourne's Southbank and is expected to open its doors to the public in 2028.