Wurundjeri
Victoria
Confounding opposites the Eva and Marc Besen Centre is both subtle and bold, ‘invisible yet transformative’. While having its own distinctive character it takes cues from the site’s rich architectural legacy of Powell, Gunn and KTA. Together with the Sculpture Walk it enhances the open space so that as a collection of buildings there is continuity and connection across the estate.
Driven by Eva and Marc Besen’s commitment to fostering artistic exploration, cultural enrichment and intellectual engagement the design supports a range of activities: education, performance, events. The main space is adaptable to accommodate gatherings of up to 200 attendees. Adjacent to this a secure glass wall reveals the Centre’s treasures – the Besen collection – to all visitors. Back of house is now front of house for everyone to enjoy.
The enjoyment of art in and through the landscape remains central to the visitor experience of this significant regional museum.
The Eva and Marc Besen Centre is a quietly powerful addition to the TarraWarra Museum estate, offering an exemplary model of how interior architecture can shape meaningful cultural experiences. Seamlessly integrated into the landscape and architectural lineage of the site, the Centre’s interiors are at once functional, flexible, and deeply thoughtful. Arranged in two sinuous bands, the plan balances public engagement with back-of-house functions, turning archival storage into a visible and valued part of the visitor journey. The use of an insulated glass wall between the open store and public zones is a masterstroke; merging transparency with preservation and inviting ongoing connection with the collection.
Material selections and spatial gestures speak with restraint and clarity. The interior palette complements the landscape and allows moments of drama; such as the spiralling stair and the cylindrical entry drum to emerge with quiet strength. The design honours the site’s architectural legacy while establishing a language of its own, reinforced by the veil-like metal mesh that filters light and perception.
Embedded First Nations consultation and collaboration have contributed meaningfully to the project’s depth, with symbolic and physical gestures grounding the Centre in Country. This is an interior of nuance, generosity, and lasting cultural relevance.
The new Eva and Marc Besen Centre at TarraWarra Museum of Art stores our exceptional collection of Australian art, made possible by the generous donations of over 600 artworks from Marc Besen AC and Eva Besen AO. With art storage on display, visitors will have year-round access to pieces by some of Australia’s most significant modern and contemporary artists. The Centre will enhance our engagement with the community and expand our programs through a multi-purpose space for concerts, live events, learning and engagement. The Centre is designed to inspire, explore, and foster experiences that complement the Museum.
Kerstin Thompson, Design Director
Claire Humphreys, Associate Principal
Martin Allen, Associate
Sophie Nicholaou, Associate
Grant Dixon, Senior Architect
Viet Truong, Senior Architect
Hilary Sleigh, Architect
Michael Whittingham, Architect
Audrey Shaw, Graduate of Architecture
Leonard Meister, Architectural Student
Tamsin O’Reilly, Visualisation
Urban + Reshape Development, Project Manager
Webber, Structural / Civil Engineer
GeoAust, Geotechnical Engineer
Wayne Mitchell Surveying, Land Surveyor
Oculus, Landscape Consultant
Craig Murphy-Wandin, Wurundjeri Horticulturalist and Artist
WSP, Services – Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic, AV, Lighting and Fire
WSP, Fire Engineer
WT Partnership, Quantity Surveyor
Acoustic Logic, Acoustic Consultant
Audio Systems Logic, Specialist AV
2B Designed, Specialist Lighting
Finding Infinity, ESD Consultant
Contour, Town Planner
Greenwood Consulting, Arborist
Architecture & Access, DDA Consultant
United Building Consultants, Consulting Building Surveyor
Saville and Co, Relevant Building Surveyor
Terramatrix, Bushfire Hazard Assessment
F&B Solutions, F&B ‐ Kitchens
Kerstin Thompson Architects, Interiors
Fiona Lynch Interior Design, Loose Furniture
Paoli Smith, Signage + Wayfinding
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
