An evocative reimagining of The Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens, Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang’s Temple of Boom is the NGV Architecture Commission for 2022, a work of site-specific, ephemeral architecture for the NGV Garden.
A global architectural icon, The Parthenon, an Ancient Greek temple, is an apex symbol of Western civilisation, democracy and perfection. Temple of Boom celebrates these interpretations, while simultaneously expanding our understanding of the iconic Parthenon building and the enduring beauty it emanates.
The likeness of The Parthenon will be painted with overlapping large-scale artworks, curated by Just Another Agency by a diverse range of Melbourne-based artists, including David Lee Pereira, Drez, Manda Lane, Aretha Brown, Chuck Mayfield, Creature Creature, Resio and more to imbue 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.
Inviting audiences to reflect on the conversations that are enabled when this ancient building is viewed in new and surprising contexts. In particular, the projects ask us to consider the effect of time on all architecture. Temple of Boom reflects the slow yet unstoppable processes of change that transform all cultural, geological and ecological systems. The geological forces that shape the world, layers that accumulate as cities grow over generations, the rise and fall of monuments set against a backdrop of social, political and cultural change.
Taking its name from the vibrations of music, Temple of Boom is envisioned as a meeting place for the community and an outdoor venue for a diverse program of NGV-curated performances, programs and live music across the summer period.
Builder – Savio Projects
Project manager – Assembly Interiors
Structural Engineers – TGA Engineers
Building Surveyors – Surveyed by Nicolas
Manufacturer – Augrc
Timber Supplier – Ceres Fair Wood
Installation view of the 2022 NGV Architecture Commission: Temple of Boom designed by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang on display at NGV International, Melbourne from 22 November 2022 – August 2023. Photo: Sean Fennessy
Aerial view of the 2022 NGV Architecture Commission: Temple of Boom designed by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang on display at NGV International, Melbourne from 22 November 2022 – August 2023. Photo: NGV