This year the Art Gallery of New South Wales enters a new era of growth and development with the opening, on 25 October, of its rebuilt Asian galleries.

These splendid spaces are the first major extensions to the Gallery since 1988, and will house its extensive Asian collections and a wide-ranging program of Asian exhibitions.

For all of us it is a landmark in the history of our premier gallery – one of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions, renowned and respected in our region and throughout the world.

My Government sets the highest possible value on our artistic and cultural links with Asian countries. I am proud that we have provided funds for the new galleries, and thank all those who have supported the project.

The collections include Buddhist and Hindu arts, Indian sculptures, beautifully patterned Southeast Asian textiles, Chinese ceramics and paintings, Japanese gold-ground screens, and many other works from the rich panorama of Asian cultures. All are there to be studied, treasured, admired and enjoyed. Admission to the new Asian galleries, as with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, is free.

I invite everyone to visit these new galleries and marvel at these treasures and inspirations of the arts of Asia

Bob Carr
Premier of New South Wales
Minister for the Arts
Minister for Citizenship