Located in the three-storey warehouse where Brett Whiteley lived and worked from 1987 until his death in 1992, the Brett Whiteley Studio has been carefully restored to provide visitors with an authentic insight into the artist’s life and creative process. Artworks, unfinished pieces, personal objects and studio materials have been reinstalled as Whiteley left them, offering an experience distinct from a conventional gallery.

Designed by Surry Hills-based practice Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG), the redevelopment brings the building up to contemporary museum standards through structural improvements, enhanced environmental controls and greater accessibility. The project includes a new lift, staircase, accessible amenities, library and roof extension housing acoustically treated mechanical equipment to help protect the collection for the future. The works, which began in June 2024, were funded by the NSW Government in partnership with the Art Gallery, the Brett Whiteley Foundation and Tim and Gina Fairfax.

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“It sounds straightforward, but in fact to do all of that, we had to reconstruct the whole building — there was no roof [over the main gallery space] for over twelve months,” explained TZG’s Peter Tonkin at the opening of the new building. “We have to really acknowledge the ability of the builders to undertake this work whilst protecting all of the graffiti that Brett had on the walls, the paint-splattered floor in what is now the archive and painting studio. They had incredible care on this tight little city site.”

Tonkin adds that the work was about “preserving the spirit of Brett and what is really a landmark place in Sydney culture, very central for whom we are as a city. I think Brett managed to shift our view of what Sydney is in a very helpful way.”

Brett and Wendy Whiteley bought the former warehouse in 1985, converting it into a studio and exhibition space. He lived there from 1987 to 1992 and the site has been managed as a museum by the Art Gallery of New South Wales since 1995.

“The Studio carries Brett’s presence in every room,” said Wendy Whiteley. “I’m grateful that it has been cared for so thoughtfully and not preserved as a museum relic, but as a living place of creativity that continues to inspire artists and visitors.”

The reopening coincides with the exhibition Brett Whiteley: Coming Home, which explores the artist’s return to Australia after a decade overseas. Featuring around 80 works spanning paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs and sketchbooks, the exhibition highlights Whiteley’s creative experimentation between 1969 and the early 1970s, including his monumental Alchemy (1972–73).

Tonkin added: “We were honoured to work with the Art Gallery, and most particularly with Wendy, on this job. Her visual sense is extraordinary, she wouldn’t take ‘no’ anywhere, and everywhere you look, there are Wendy’s decisions. The stainless steel elements, for example: we selected that material because it’s something Wendy used in her house. So, at all times, the spirit of Brett and his artworks are the things that dominate in this space.”

The Brett Whiteley Studio is open Thursday to Sunday with free admission.