Lauren Moss
Minister for Tourism and Culture

Award winning architects appointed for Museum of the NT

26 September 2017

Minister for Tourism and Culture Lauren Moss today announced the dynamic architecture partnership of troppo and ARM architects as the successful tenderer to lead the Territory Labor Government’s vision to establish a new Museum of the Northern Territory.

“This is an exciting initiative that will be led by a team of experts, well-connected and well-versed on design methodologies that suit the Territory. The new Museum will embody what it means to be Territorian. It will become a prominent legacy for future generations to share in our story,” said Ms Moss

The Museum of the Northern Territory is a centrepiece project of the Territory Labor Government City Deal bid aimed at rejuvenating the CBD, with the Territory Government already contributing a $100 million down payment. We are seeking a similar contribution from the Federal Government.

“The Government is investing in the Territory’s arts and cultural assets because we know they attract more visitors, provide a boost to the economy and create local jobs,” Ms Moss said.

“The design for the new Museum will reflect our rich multicultural identity. The design will also capture the significance of the Myilly Point location, reflecting the site’s own history particularly Larrakia heritage and the significance of the Kahlin Compound”.

Local design firm troppo and ARM architects will lead an extensive consultation process across the Territory to inform the development and design concept for the new Museum. They will work with local stakeholders including a range of expert historians and representatives from Territory communities. Consultation will begin immediately with targeted stakeholders and an opportunity for broader public consultation process will follow.

The engagement program will ensure that the design matches the community’s expectations and achieves the highest standard possible for a contemporary museum.

troppo Architects has employed more than 100 people in the Territory over the past 37 years and has won several awards for its work on the ASH Project for Defence Housing Australia (DHA), Muirhead in the NT, and Anbinik Kakadu Resort to name a few.

ARM Architects won the 2016 Australian Institute of Architects’ 2016 Gold Medal. They also redeveloped Victoria’s Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, and the South Australian Festival Plaza in Adelaide. The company is also working to redesign the concert hall of the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House.

Highlights of the new Museum include:

Improving the representation of the Territory by telling the stories through building design that showcase the historical and cultural exhibits
Illustrating the history and meaning of the Territory for its residents past and present
Incorporating heat mitigation materials and design including energy efficient and innovative green design as a lead capital project under the City Deals program
Providing a public facility for the benefit of all Territorians and visitors to the Territory through engagement and participation
Providing appropriate facilities for the storage, research recording and display of art, cultural items and generally all pertinent artefacts
Providing for café(s), public program spaces, such as auditoriums, and retail spaces.

The current consultation work being done on the 10-year Museum Masterplan for Darwin and Palmerston will complement the design consultancy for the Museum of the Northern Territory.