Construction on the AGO’s Centre for Contemporary Art, which will occupy the top two floors of the Gallery’s south tower, is now complete. Some artworks have already been moved into this space and AGO crews are busily working to install these galleries. The south tower has an innovative art hoist that can lift large works from ground floor up to the top level through an opening in each floor.
When fully installed, the Centre for Contemporary Art will house approximately 235 works from 1960 to current day. The centre will also provide panoramic north and south views of the city, particularly neighbouring Grange Park. A unique architectural feature which is nearing completion will be the Gehry-designed “barnacle staircase”– an enclosed circular staircase constructed on the exterior of the south facade connecting the two floors of the centre. This remarkable element was developed in direct response to recommendations from artists that the 4th and 5th floor be visibly connected.