NGV Contemporary renamed in recognition of $100m donation from Lindsay and Paula Fox

Australian businessman Lindsay Fox AC and his wife Paula Fox AO have donated $100 million toward the construction of the new National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Contemporary, which is set to open in the heart of the recently transformed Melbourne Arts Precinct in 2028.

To be located at 77 Southbank Boulevard in Southbank, the newly christened The Fox: NGV Contemporary 18,000sqm building will feature contemporary art, design, fashion and architecture of local, national and international significance.

Adding to an existing $20 million commitment from the Ian Potter Foundation, the $100 million donation from the founder of Linfox is the largest cultural gift for a capital program ever made to an Australian art museum by a living donor.

“This gift is the culmination of many years of passionate support for the NGV, its acquisitions and its wider program,” National Gallery of Victoria Foundation board member Paula Fox AO said.

“We hope that our donation will inspire others in supporting this program to make this an icon for the future.”

The donation builds on several contributions from Lindsay and Paula Fox to the arts, housing and medical research sectors.

Australian logistics company Linfox owner and founder Lindsay Fox AC, who turns 85 today and is estimated to be worth more than $4 billion, was appointed Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2008, partly in recognition of his work in the community through a range of philanthropic endeavours.  

Paula Fox AO, an active supporter and advocate of the Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda, was recognised in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours for her distinguished service to the community through philanthropic contributions to a range of arts, cultural, youth, research and social welfare organisations.

The Fox: NGV Contemporary is part of the Victorian Government’s landmark $1.7 billion investment in the Melbourne Arts Precinct transformation, which includes the extensive restoration of the State Theatre.

“This is an extraordinary gift to the people of Victoria, and we thank Lindsay and Paula Fox and their family for their vision and generosity,” Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said.

“Philanthropy can transform cities, and NGV Contemporary will be a true game-changer – one of the largest galleries dedicated to contemporary art and design in the world and a global architectural icon.”

Designed by Sydney-based Angelo Candalepas and Associates, The Fox: NGV Contemporary is set to create more than 11,000 jobs over the lifetime of the project, many of which will be in the creative sector as part of the gallery.

The ambition is for the new contemporary gallery to become a globally significant landmark and provide exhibition and educational spaces, studios and scientific laboratories for the conservation of artwork.

“The Fox family should be commended on their leadership in this sector and for the real, tangible impact that their giving has, and will continue to have, on the lives of so many,” National Gallery of Victoria Director Tony Ellwood AM said.