Image: AAP,Tracey Nearmy

The renovated of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney has opened in Sydney, the architecture to mixed critical reception.

Much of the praise the $53 million renovation has received centres around the fact it now actually looks like a museum of contemporary art, which was the opinion of Australian Benjamin Genocchio, editor-in-chief of New York's Artinfo.com, who was “simultaneously impressed and underwhelmed”.

Architecture critic Elizabeth Farelly’s opinion was similar, however she “wanted the enchanting, the sophisticated, the sublime - and it's not that”.

Wallpaper’s summary was that ‘Sydney's new annex is an icon for city's post-Opera House generation’,

In any case, when the museum opened its doors for the first time in seven months, the public interest was immediate — it was reportedly the busiest day in the museum's history.

Image: Architect Marshall via e-architect

The MCA now includes a new wing, which doubles the gallery's floor space and also creates a foyer, education room, library and rooftop café; the rooftop venues feature panoramic views of the city skyline.

Architect Sam Marshall said that the building was designed to fit the art: "It really had to be contemporary and to fit in the area as well.”

"The old building is a series of boxes, so there's a dialogue between the buildings. The colours and the boxes fit within The Rocks so it's not too overbearing but it is a strong building. It had to be a strong building so you could actually see the building."

According to MCA Director, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor: “This expansion will cement the MCA’s role as a locally loved and internationally renowned contemporary art museum, which supports and promotes Australian artists alongside their international peers. Our commitment to education comes from our belief that creativity and education in the arts are the critical building blocks for a dynamic community”.

The redevelopment was made possible as a result of public and private sector support. The Federal Government and the NSW State Government have contributed $13 million each. The MCA’s Chairman, Simon Mordant, and his family have pledged $15 million.