Dutch architecture firm, The office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) and Australia’s Hassell have been chosen to design the new $428 million museum for Western Australia in Perth.

Forming a team with Brookfield Multiplex, OMA and Hassell were chosen from a shortlist of three consortia which also included Foster and Partners with Hames Sharley, Ateliers Jean Nouvel with Cameron Chisholm Nicol, and Parry and Rosenthal Architects.

The new 23,000sqm museum will be built on the site of the existing museum and incorporate the refurbishment of several heritage buildings including the Old Gaol, Hackett Hall, and the Jubilee and Beaufort Street wings as well as new additions.

While OMA, Hassell and Brookfield Multiplex have been revealed as the preferred bidder, a contract will not be awarded until mid-year when we will also get the first look at the successful design for the new building.

This will be a rare venture into Australia for OMA and its Pritzker Laureate director Rem Koolhaas, and their first on Australia’s western seaboard. OMA also worked with Hassell along with Denton Corker Marshall and Populous on the masterplan for Sydney’s Darling Harbour convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct.

The Western Australian Government has committed $428 million to the new WA museum and is positive that it will open in 2020.

OMA’s museum portfolio includes some 48 projects from nearly all corners of the globe.

Nathan Johnson

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