studioplusthree were commissioned to design the Nicholson Galleries at the University of Sydney’s new Chau Chak Wing Museum, which opened to the public in November 2020. The Galleries are home to the University’s extensive collection of antiquities from Egypt, Greece and Rome.

The three principal cultures of the collection – Egyptian, Greek and Roman ‐ inform the design approach. Remains from Egypt are displayed in an immersive and intimate environment, whilst Roman busts are presented in the open, day‐lit atrium, echoing their original setting.

Taking inspiration from classical architecture and contemporary art, the Nicholson Galleries establish an immersive and emotive approach to the visitor experience, in which massive walls are bisected by light, and rough-textured walls are punctured by rich gold niches.

Visitors enter the Mummy Room by crossing a threshold of light, symbolic of the transition to the afterlife. Inside, ethereal CT scans float into existence from seamless black mirrors before disappearing, leaving only the reflection of the visitor.

The Egyptian Galleries reference a hypostyle or pillared hall, common in Egyptian temple design. This establishes two main axes that order circulation, views and content – providing a sequence of movement from outer to inner chambers.

Rough, textured stone finishes are contrasted against rich, glossy highlights of gold, bronze and wine‐red in the Egyptian galleries. In Greece and Rome, a smooth marble‐like finish and common details are used to create a family of plinths.

Impressions of Greece plays on the techniques of early glass plate photography, creating a double‐curved lightbox that also references the nave of Greek orthodox churches and the qualities of the light of the Mediterranean sky.

Taking inspiration from classical outdoor sculpture gardens, Roman busts are seen in the round, atop pillars of differing translucency to give them body whilst filtering light through, and positioned at varying heights to evoke their individuality.

Awards

• 2021 - Commendation: NSW Architecture Award - Small Project Architecture
• 2021 - Highly Commended: Museum and Galleries National Awards: Permanent Exhibition 
• 2021 - Shortlisted: Australian Interior Design Award (AIDA) - Installation Design
• 2021 - Finalist: Dulux Colour Awards - Commercial Interior, Public and Hospitality

Photography: Brett Boardman