Plans to rejuvenate Adelaide’s David Roche Foundation House Museum could see the private museum transform into a tourism destination and cultural hub.
The foundation plans to double the museum’s footprint on Melbourne Street in North Adelaide, with a $16 million project to add on-site accommodation, a restaurant, and a 350-seat auditorium, designed by Williams Burton Leopardi Architects. It will also include two exhibition galleries, a library, retail outlet, and art studios.
Opened in 2016, The David Roche Foundation House Museum is one of Australia’s wealthiest private museums with a collection of more than 3,600 18th- and 19th-century European paintings, antiques and art objects, from ceramics to furniture established by the late property developer David Roche. After his death in 2013, Roche left his entire estate to the foundation.
The redevelopment will include a new auditorium, expanded exhibition spaces, luxury onsite accomodation, and a restaurant.
Image:
Williams Burton Leopardi Architects
Museum director Robert Reason said the expansion project would turn an under-utilized site into a “unique cultural hub” for the arts, education and entertainment. The foundation anticipates the project could increase annual visitors five-fold, to more than 25,000 a year.
The project is currently under assessment by the State Planning Committee.
The proposal will require around $10 million in state and federal government funding and philanthropic donations in order to be realized.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
