The Art Gallery of NSW’s stunning expansion, the Sydney Modern Project, is well underway and set to open to the public as soon as Saturday December 3. The highly anticipated multimillion-dollar project promises flash new buildings, underground art dens made from a WWII naval oil tank, an art garden, and a permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gallery—and now a handful of hot dining options led by Sydney’s leading chefs and culinary icons.
In the Gallery’s brand-new building, Wells will be heading up a relaxed all-day dining venue aptly named MOD. Dining By Clayton Wells. MOD will boast sweeping views across both the internal atrium and Woolloomooloo Bay, as well as a harbour terrace with ample outdoor seating. The ambitious menu will “reflect multicultural Sydney”—think fried prawn sandwiches, lamb shoulder with za’atar and pita, and coconut sorbet with black sesame and freeze-dried plum.
Over in the existing building, celebrity chef Matt Moran will continue his partnership with the Gallery and hospitality and catering group The Fresh Collective with the eponymous Art Gallery Restaurant, Crafted by Matt Moran. The Mediterranean-leaning eatery opened in early 2021 and follows Moran’s ethos of fresh, local Aussie produce.
As for The Gallery Cafe located on the lower level of the existing gallery. it remains open and much the same (cue: quick coffee and cake breaks). However, Palisa Anderson and Mindy Woods will be whipping up special menus and overseeing pop-up activations throughout the year, too.
The Sydney Modern Project is slated to open on Saturday December 3 2022, including its two new dining venues MOD. Dining By Clayton Wells and Kiosk. For more information on the Gallery’s existing and soon-to-come dining options, head to the Art Gallery of NSW’s website.
