Sydney's newest museum reaches a major milestone
(L-R): Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence, Director of Museums and Cultural Engagement David Ellis and Vice-Principal (External Relations) Tania Rhodes-Taylor trowel the last section of concrete on the Chau Chak Wing Museum.聽
Today's ceremony marks a significant milestone in the at the University of Sydney, with senior leaders from the University joining representatives from construction firm FDC for the topping out ceremony of the new five-level museum.
Topping out ceremonies signify the successful completion of the structural phase of a building project.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal helped pour and trowel the last section of concrete atop the museum this morning.
"Today鈥檚 ceremony brings us a step closer to creating a rich and vibrant cultural precinct that will reflect the diverse culture of both Sydney and Australia," Dr Spence said.
"Visitors, students and researchers will be able to use exceptional learning and teaching facilities, and enjoy precious and rarely-seen objects from our collections displayed together for the first time when the museum opens in 2020.鈥�
Images of the ceremony
The Chau Chak Wing Museum will house collections from the Macleay and Nicholson Museums, and University Art Gallery, showcasing some of Australia鈥檚 most significant cultural works.
Director of Museums and Cultural Engagement David Ellis added, "It was thrilling to gather today on the museum鈥檚 rooftop, celebrating the structural completion of a building we envision will be a cultural gathering place聽and transform the way the University鈥檚 extraordinary cultural and scientific collections are used and enjoyed聽for聽decades聽to come."
Once complete, the museum will have 2000 square metres of public exhibition area, triple the display space available at the University鈥檚 previous museums. It is due to open in the latter half of 2020.聽
The Chau Chak Wing Museum is supported by donors Dr Chau Chak Wing, Penelope Seidler, the Nelson Meers Foundation, the Ian Potter Foundation and others.