National Gallery of Australia, Art museum at Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australia.
The National Gallery of Australia is an art museum located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin with collections spread across multiple levels. The exhibition spans works from different periods and cultures, ranging from classical to contemporary pieces.
The museum opened in 1982 and represents an experimental approach to Brutalist architecture. The building marked an important moment in Australia's efforts to establish a national art institution.
The collection of works from Australia and the South Pacific reflects the stories and perspectives of these regions. Visitors can see how different artistic traditions exist alongside one another throughout the building.
Access to the main collection is free and the museum opens daily from 10 AM. Special exhibitions take place throughout the year and require separate admission.
The museum houses Jackson Pollock's famous Blue Poles painting, one of the most remarkable works in the collection. It also displays the complete series by artist Sidney Nolan depicting the legendary bushranger Ned Kelly.
Location: Canberra
Location: Australian Capital Territory
Inception: 1967
Founders: Harold Holt
Architects: Colin Madigan
Official opening: 1967
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: Parkes Pl, Parkes ACT
Phone: +61262406411
Website: https://nga.gov.au
GPS coordinates: -35.30037,149.13679
Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:01
Postmodern architecture emerged in the 1970s as a response to the rigid principles of modernism, reintroducing color, ornament, and historical references into contemporary building design. The movement evolved over decades, producing structures that challenge conventional forms and experiment with different materials and surfaces. These buildings demonstrate varied approaches to design, from playful facades to complex geometric constructions, showing how architects employ new technologies while engaging with historical stylistic elements. The collection includes cultural institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Casa da Música in Porto, public buildings like Seattle Central Library and Almere City Hall, and religious structures such as the Jubilee Church in Rome. Other examples include the SIS Building in London, Dancing House in Prague, and Niterói Contemporary Art Museum in Rio de Janeiro. The Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus show different interpretations of postmodern principles. The Piazza d'Italia in New Orleans with its colored colonnades and the Portland Building with its decorated facade represent early postmodern works in the United States.
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