High Court – National Gallery Precinct Heritage Managment Plan

The High Court-National Gallery Precinct (the Precinct), lies within Canberra’s central designed and symbolic landscape in the National Triangle, at the northern edge of the Parliamentary Zone and adjacent to Lake Burley Griffin.

The Precinct has a specifically designed landscape setting and is the home of the national institutions—the High Court and National Gallery. The High Court and National Gallery are aligned by their architectural design and prominent visual relationship with Lake Burley Griffin and create a strong presence on the north-eastern flank of the Parliamentary Zone.

The High Court and National Gallery Precinct is also part of the Parliament House Vista Commonwealth Heritage listing.

Heritage Values

The heritage significance of the High Court and National Gallery Precinct (the Precinct) reflects in its design achievement as a group of late twentieth century public buildings and landscape. The Precinct is stylistically integrated in terms of architectural forms and finishes, and as an ensemble of freestanding buildings in a cohesive landscape setting. The Precinct is a highly regarded expression of contemporary architectural and landscape design of Late Twentieth-Century Brutalist style.

The High Court and public landscaped areas of the Precinct are much used and valued by the community. The Precinct reflects the nation's vision at the time; one of optimism, vitality, and creativity linked to nation building and egalitarianism.

To read more about High Court and National Gallery Precinct heritage values and to view the statutory listing please visit the Australian Heritage Database.

Preparation of a Heritage Management plan

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), all Commonwealth agencies are required to prepare management plans for Commonwealth Heritage listed and nominated places under their management. The purpose of this management plan is to identify, protect and manage the heritage values of the High Court – National Gallery Precinct. This management plan was prepared in accordance with the Commonwealth Heritage management principles and the requirements under the EPBC Act.

This management plan was reviewed by the Australian Heritage Council. For further information, please contact the NCA on heritage@nca.gov.au or 02 6271 2888.