The National Gallery of Australia will ask Rich Listers and philanthropists to fund a $60 million redesign of its Canberra sculpture garden as part of a plan to achieve the full vision of the incomplete and underappreciated site.

NGA director Nick Mitzevich has announced a two-stage international design competition for the revitalisation of the three-hectare garden, which links the gallery and Lake Burley Griffin. It is home to major works by artists including Auguste Rodin, Thancoupie, Bert Flugelman and James Turrell.