In April 2000 the South East Pylon closed to the public so that the Roads & Traffic Authority and BridgeClimb could commence work for the installation of a new exhibition - Proud Arch.

Later that year in November 2000 the South East Pylon Lookout opens to the public with a landmark exhibition celebrating the Proud Arch. The exhibition included the glass direction finder in the observation level of the lookout, and the acquisition of important heritage items such as Bradfield Museum artefacts. Proud Arch tells the story of J.J.C. Bradfield, Chief Engineer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and his achievement.