arete Australia has successfully completed a major upgrade to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) International’s Conservation areas, loading docks and staff amenities, reinforcing the company’s strong reputation in heritage preservation and complex construction delivery.
Delivered in close collaboration with Development Victoria this project showcases arete’s ability to work within historically significant environments while meeting the demands of modern facility upgrades. The NGV International building, originally designed by Sir Roy Grounds and later redeveloped by Mario Bellini in 2003, is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Melbourne and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
The project presented a unique set of challenges, requiring meticulous planning and execution within one of Australia’s busiest cultural institutions. The arete team implemented rigorous protocols around water and air quality, noise and dust control to ensure zero disruption to the museum’s operations and to protect its priceless art collections, both on display and in storage.
The result is a series of contemporary conservation spaces designed to support the NGV International’s vital work in preserving the State Collection. These state-of-the-art facilities now provide NGV International’s Conservation department with the tools and environment needed to continue safeguarding some of the world’s most significant artworks.
"Our approach to this project was guided by a deep respect for the cultural and historical significance of the NGV International," said Matt Rossi from arete. "We are proud to have delivered a solution that reflects both our technical expertise and our commitment to cultural preservation."
To celebrate the project’s completion, the arete team led a site tour with staff from across the business, sharing key lessons and reinforcing the company’s focus on continuous learning and excellence in project delivery.
This achievement adds to arete’s growing portfolio of complex heritage and cultural projects, marking another step forward in our mission to build with purpose, precision and care.
