The difficulties in development

The difficulties in development

In June 1985, the Federal government announced the establishment of a national museum focusing on Australia's maritime history and the nation's ongoing involvement and dependence on the sea. Proposals for the creation of such a museum had been under consideration over the preceding years.  After lobbying by New South Wales Premier Neville Wran, the decision was made to situate the new museum at Darling Harbour, New South Wales, and construct it as part of the area's redevelopment. The building of the ANMM was seen by both the Federal and New South Wales State governments as an important feature of the redevelopment, as it would be a major drawcard, and help fuel the commercial success of the precinct.

The museum building was designed by Philip Cox, Richardson Taylor & Partners. The roof was shaped to invoke the image of billowing sails: the corrugated metal roof stands over 25 metres (82 ft) tall on the west side, but drops significantly on the east.

During development, the museum ran into a series of difficulties. In March 1998, the three top members of the ANMM interim council were sacked by the federal government and replaced. Later in the year, the Department for the Arts informed the museum that its staff would be reduced by 30% and it would undergo budget cuts, forcing the ANMM to rely on contracted security and conservation staff, along with volunteer guides and attendants. The acceptance of a US$5 million grant for a dedicated gallery showing the links between the United States of America and Australia resulted in the displacement of much of the staff and research areas; most of these were later established in the nearby Wharf 7 building.

The museum was initially slated to open in 1988, but by October that year, construction delays had pushed the planned opening date to September 1989, and the project was already $12.5 million over the $30 million budget. Construction was completed on 17 November 1989; the cost of the museum's construction had increased to $70 million, and although the Federal government was willing to pay the initial $30 million, there were disagreements between the State and Federal governments over who had to supply the additional $40 million. It was resolved that New South Wales was responsible for the additional money, and in October 1990, the museum building was handed over to the Federal government. The ANMM was opened on 30 November 1991.