The New AOC  |  Become A Patron

The AOC is privileged to have internationally acclaimed Sydney-based architects Glenn Murcutt and Wendy Lewin leading the design of the new building, an architectural wonder than will draw visitors from around the world.

As great supporters of the AOC for more than a decade, Murcutt and Lewin bring both quality and integrity as well as an iconic design to the building project.

Leading firm Freeman Ryan Design is collaborating with Murcutt and Lewin in the design of this world class cultural facility, and an outstanding team has been assembled to engineer the building.

Glenn Murcutt AOM
Glenn Murcutt AOM is a world renowned Australian architect who has received many international awards and accolades including 1992 Alvar Aalto Medal, the 2002 Pritzker Architecture Prize and the 2009 AIA Gold Medal. He is currently Chair of the Pritzker Committee. 

Among Glenn's major works are the Marie Short House (1975), Magney House (1982), the Arthur Yvonne Boyd Education Centre (1999) in association with Wendy Lewin and Reg Lark, and Bowral House (2001). He has taught at a number of schools around the world since 1970.

Wendy Lewin
Wendy Lewin is an award-winning Australian architect. She has taught at the University of Sydney, University of NSW, UTS, and Hong Kong University; served as a jury member for the Australian Institute of Architects Awards; is a Founding Member and former Vice President of the Australian Architecture Association; and was part of the Australian Pavilion creative team for the 11th Venice International Architecture Biennale 2008. 

Message from Glenn Murcutt AOM and Wendy Lewin
“This is a bold and exciting project for all of us. We have worked with the remarkable community in Lightning Ridge for over 13 years and now, to be able to realise the new Australian Opal Centre in this iconic Australian landscape is just wonderful.

“Our ambition, and that of our clients and their community, is for this to be an exemplar of site appropriate, autonomous architecture. We believe it will be unique and culturally significant, globally.”