Ancient Parthenon Brought to Life as 'Temple of Boom'

Former ancient temple on Greece’s Athenian Acropolis, the Parthenon, will be brought to life once again this summer in the National Galley of Victoria courtyard in an epic, evocative reimagining.

‘Temple of Boom’ by Australian architects Adam Newman and Kevin Tsang is the National Gallery of Victoria’s winning Architecture Commission for 2022, part of an annual series that invites Australian architects to create a work of site-specific, ephemeral architecture for the NGV Garden.

Large-scale architectural commission ‘Temple of Boom’ will feature overlapping colourful artworks by Melbourne-based artists and will form the garden backdrop for a stacked programme of live performance starting 16 November 2022 and ending 28 February 2023.

"The likeness of the Parthenon will be painted with overlapping large-scale artworks by Melbourne-based artists, imbuing the ancient monument with further layers of meaning and drawing inspiration from the vibrant colours and artistic embellishments that defined the original building over two-thousand years ago," explains the National Gallery of Victoria.

"'Temple of Boom’ reflects the slow yet unstoppable processes of change that transform all cultural, geological and ecological systems."

It is envisioned that the installation will help to create a ‘Greek-style agora” - or meeting place for the community and outdoor venue for a diverse program of NGV-curated performances, programs and live music across the summer period.

Built between 447 and 432 BC at the height of the ancient Greek empire, the Parthenon was a resplendent marble temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. It was severely damaged in the Morean War during the 1687 siege of the Acropolis, when a Venetian bomb landed in the Acrop0olis, which was being used by the Ottomans as a munitions dump.

"One of the most famous examples of classical architecture, the Parthenon in Athens, is often viewed as a potent symbol of Western art and culture," says National Gallery of Victoria Director Tony Ellwood AM.

"This thought-provoking work by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang invites us to consider how we create and imbue architecture with meaning, as well as how this meaning can shift across time periods and cultures."

"A subject close to my own heart, this year’s NGV Architecture Commission reimagines an ancient Greek icon while celebrating all things Melbourne – architecture, art and music," says Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos MP.

"It offers a place for the whole community to meet, connect, reflect – and even dance, while showcasing Victorian design excellence."

The new architectural installation will replace the incredibly popular 'Pink Pond', which has been the centrepiece of outdoor events at the gallery for the past year.

NGV Architecture Commission: Temple of Boom

Dates and times

Wednesday 16 November to 28 February 2023

Location

Ground Level, Grollo Equiset Garden
National Gallery of Victoria
180 St Kilda Rd
Melbourne 3006

Price and bookings

Entry is free

Booking not required

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