the nicholson galleries

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 intimate enclosed environment, whilst Roman busts are presented in the open, day‐lit atrium, echoing their original setting. Key to the design approach was the emotional connection of visitors to the content, developed through strategies of atmosphere, perspective, and sensory experience.

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. 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. 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.