CANBERRA.- The National Gallery of Australia has announced the opening of a new contemporary art space located on the foreshore of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, on Queen Elizabeth Terrace. NGA Contemporary is an initiative that showcases the national collection of Australian contemporary art. NGA Contemporary opened to the public on 26 September 2014 and will be free to all visitors.

NGA Contemporary creates a unique and nationally significant destination for Canberra’s locals and visitors alike. The Gallery currently has very a limited and compromised space to display the contemporary Australian art collection and this new venue is part of the NGA’s ambitious strategy to build Stage 2, The Centre for Australian Art.

“Our vision has been to develop a contemporary art space so that all Australians can see more of this superb collection ahead of expansion plans of Stage 2 for the existing building in Parkes Place,” said NGA Director Ron Radford.

The inaugural exhibition explores the breadth of Australian contemporary art over the last 14 years. Artists whose work is on display include Bill Henson, Kathy Temin, Ron Mueck, Patricia Piccinini, Peter Booth, Dale Frank and many more.

NGA Contemporary is an initiative that could not have been undertaken without our sponsors and the cooperation of the National Capital Authority.

The National Gallery of Australia acknowledges the generous support of its cultural partner, Molonglo Group and Hotel Hotel. We would also like to acknowledge Broadsheet, Forty Four Twelve, Coopers and Chandon/Belvedere.

NGA Contemporary is open Wednesday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm and admission is free.