The Opening Chapter: Building the National LibraryThis year marks the 40th anniversary of the National Library building in Parkes Place, Canberra. The Library was opened on 15 August 1968 by Prime Minister John Gorton, and admitted its first readers three days later. With its elegant classical lines, it is a landmark in the Parliamentary Triangle and the principal storehouse of Australia’s documentary heritage. The Opening Chapter exhibition looks at the physical attributes of the building, including the vision of architects Bunning and Madden, photographs of the interior by Max Dupain and the important contribution of renowned artists Henry Moore, Tom Bass and Leonard French. The foundation stone was laid by Sir Robert Menzies who had wanted “something with columns” and while the architects obliged with unmistakeable references to the Parthenon in Athens, they were aware of more contemporary trends. The final plans set out a temple-like form flanked by two auxiliary wings, but only the central block was built
Total proposed development showing additional wings [National Library
of Australia building] c.1965
Douglas Annand (1903–1976)
Richard Clough (b.1921)
Unknown photographer
Unknown photographer
Kenneth Binns (1882–1969)
Max Dupain (1911–1992)
Unknown photographer
David Reid
Arthur Robb
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