Landmark Donation to National Gallery

Posted: Thursday, August 26, 2010 - 15:25

Party at Gandel Hall - Artist's Impression

The National Gallery of Australia has received a landmark gift of $7million from well known Melbourne-based philanthropists, Pauline and John Gandel.

In making the donation, John Gandel said the National Gallery of Australia had an essential role in developing the national art collection for future generations of Australians and he and his wife hope that their support will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

The Gallery says the donation was the largest cash gift it has received, describing it as a truly visionary and extremely generous act of benefaction.

Chairman of the National Gallery of Australia Council, Rupert Myer, says the announcement comes at a time when the National Gallery of Australia is experiencing a period of significant revitalisation with the opening of the new Stage 1 redevelopment including 11 new Indigenous art galleries and a new Function Hall due to open in Spring 2010.

Mr John Gandel AO and Mrs Pauline Gandel

He says the Gandels were founding donors when the National Gallery of Australia opened its doors in 1982 and to follow up with this gift while the Gallery is undertaking the most substantial redevelopment since it opened, demonstrates their commitment to the Gallery, the national art collection, and its importance to all Australians.

The Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Ron Radford AM says this act of generosity by will be honoured by the National Gallery of Australia through the naming in perpetuity of the new function hall which will be known as Gandel Hall.

Gandel Hall will be used as a venue for openings and special events, as well as public programs, school and education activities. Part of the Stage 1 redevelopment, Gandel Hall will be a dedicated function space seating up to 350 guests for dinner or up to 1,000 for stand-up functions.

Gandel Hall will open out onto the landscaped Australian gardens which feature the new Skyspace sculpture, Within without by renowned American artist James Turrell.

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