Why the Hyde Park Barracks sets a new benchmark in museum practice
A new benchmark for storytelling finds a fresh balance between multiple voices, where both analogue and tech-driven viewing experiences aim for the authentic, rather than an authoritative tone.
Hyde Park Barracks with forecourt installation by artist Jonathan Jones. Photo ArtsHub.
After years in the planning – and following a 12 month closure – the first reinterpretation of the Hyde Park Barracks since it opened as a museum in 1991 was unveiled this week. Quickly touted as a landmark project, the museum’s refresh aims to set new standards for visitor experience.
The upgrades have been largely delivered through revenue raised by a heritage conservation scheme managed by the City of Sydney.
Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's Senior Contributor, after 12 years in the role as National Visual Arts Editor. She has worked for extended periods in America and Southeast Asia, as gallerist, arts administrator and regional contributing editor for a number of magazines, including Hong Kong based Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. She is an Art Tour leader for the AGNSW Members, and lectures regularly on the state of the arts. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW.
Instagram: fairleygina
