Warships Pavilion at Australian National Maritime Museum

Located on the edge of Sydney’s Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) stands as a powerful example of how architecture can elevate cultural experience and public engagement. Opened in 1991 to honour Australia’s maritime legacy, the museum spans over 20,000 square meters, including exhibition halls, docks, and open-air event spaces that extend toward the water. This prominent waterfront location ensures the museum is not only a visual landmark but also an active connector between the city’s cultural, recreational, and commercial zones.

Designed to function as both a museum and a civic gathering place, the ANMM welcomes a wide range of visitors—from architecture and history enthusiasts to students, families, and tourists. Its open plaza and boardwalks encourage informal interaction and pedestrian flow, reinforcing its role as a social and educational hub within the urban environment.

A highlight of the site is the Warships Pavilion, designed by fjcstudio, which commemorates 100 years of the Royal Australian Navy. Inspired by the form and craftsmanship of naval vessels, the pavilion features a curving, sculptural exterior that evokes the fluidity of a ship’s hull. This architectural expression provides a compelling transition between land and sea, drawing visitors into a rich narrative space.

At the core of the pavilion’s form and durability is the use of COLORBOND® Ultra steel – Woodland Grey® from BlueScope. Its exterior features a complex, twisting envelope of insulated steel panels—prefabricated with high precision off-site to ensure quality, reduce construction time, and minimize material waste. The steel’s exceptional corrosion resistance and thermal performance make it an ideal solution for harsh coastal environments, where exposure to salt-laden air and humidity demands long-term resilience.

In addition to material performance, sustainability was a key focus in the project’s design. The Warships Pavilion incorporates passive ventilation strategies through operable louvres and strategic openings, which improve natural airflow and thermal comfort. The use of long-lasting, low-maintenance materials such as COLORBOND® steel further supports the building’s environmental performance by reducing lifecycle impacts.

Inside, the pavilion offers an immersive visitor experience through interpretive exhibits, multimedia installations, and direct access to historic naval ships moored just outside. This seamless blend of exhibition and environment reinforces the museum’s mission to educate, engage, and inspire.

The Warships Pavilion exemplifies how innovative materials and purposeful design can come together to create architecture that is both bold and deeply human. It reflects the growing emphasis on high-performance, sustainable building solutions—and stands as a compelling example of how steel can shape enduring, meaningful spaces in the public realm.