National Gallery of Australia to loan 'Blue Poles' to Western Australia

The National Gallery of Australia's prized Blue Poles artwork will be on display in Western Australia for five months next year.

The artwork will be loaned while the NGA in Canberra undergoes capital works, which will at some stage require 60 to 70 per cent of the gallery to be closed.

Upgrades to the gallery are expected to last for the next two and a half years.

The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) will loan its most valuable artwork — Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles — to a Western Australian gallery.

The Australian government controversially purchased the painting in 1973 for $1.3 million, the most ever paid for an American painting in the world at the time.

In 2023, the abstract impressionist artwork was valued at $500 million.

NGA director Nick Mitzevich said the painting would go on display at the Art Gallery of Western Australia in Perth between April and September next year.

"It's the first time we've loaned Blue Poles [within Australia] for more than two decades, and it's the first time it's going to go to WA," he said.

"It's one of the most important works of the 20th century, and it's always on permanent display.

"What we love about this work is everyone has an opinion, so we're looking forward to sharing this work and hearing the opinions of people in the west."

At least 60 per cent of NGA to close at construction's peak

The loan has been arranged so the prized painting can remain accessible to the public while the NGA undergoes a $320 million capital works program.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the artwork as an "extraordinary investment" by the Whitlam government.

"It will be coming to the west as part of our plan that we've been rolling out, making sure that everyone, regardless of where they live in Australia, has access to the best art," Mr Albanese said.

"It will bring a lot of tourism here to the west."

The NGA would not disclose how the precious cargo would be moved across the country.

"We're very confident that the work is going to be kept safe," Dr Mitzevich said.

He foreshadowed future artwork loan arrangements as construction ramps up at the NGA.

Between 60 and 70 per cent of the Canberra institution will be closed next year when building work reaches its peak, including the installation of a new roof.

"The capital works program continues for the next two and a half years to make sure the building … is watertight and our roof doesn't leak, so we can protect both the works of art and the experience of people visiting the National Gallery," Dr Mitzevich said.