The field of architects competing to design the revamp of the Sydney Modern art gallery in New South Wales, Australia, has been narrowed down to five architects for stage two of the competition.

The final five shortlisted architects are Tokyo-based Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa / SANAA; Kengo Kuma & Associates - also from Tokyo; Perth’s Kerry Hill Architects; Mumbai-based Rahul Mehrotra Architects; and Melbourne’s Sean Godsell Architects.

“Our vision is for an inspirational design open to all the possibilities for art – a museum for the 21st century that will excite and engage audiences locally, nationally and internationally,” said gallery director, Michael Brand.

“Each of the five selected practices demonstrated insight and sensitivity to place and a diversity of approach to creating built forms. I am confident the winner will create something quite extraordinary for Sydney.”

The contest was initially opened up to 12 invited architecture firms, before being narrowed down to the final five. The existing Art Gallery NSW building dates back to 1896 and attracts 1.3 million visitors annually. In April, a jury will select the winner, who will then develop plans for the AU$450m (US$394.4m, £246m, €312.2m) revamp.