Overview
The preliminary design for the remodelled Gallery was unveiled
in July 2005 at a function hosted at the gallery by then Mayor Dick
Hubbard, where Gallery director Chris Saines and lead architect
Richard Francis-Jones (Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp, Sydney)
presented the plans.
The much-anticipated plan for the $121 million development is
set to secure Auckland's place as home to New Zealand's pre-eminent
public art gallery.
The plan includes earthquake-proofing and heritage restoration
of the 1887 and 1916 components of the main building combined with
contemporary new additions that will see display space increased by
at least fifty per cent.
The development will enable the gallery to better meet stringent
international lending requirements, host bigger exhibitions of more
varied kinds and display more of its 15,000-strong collection more
often.
Fast facts
Included in the plan is:
- seismic strengthening and heritage restoration of the 1887 and
1916 components of the main building, carefully balanced with a
contemporary new addition that will see display space increased by
approximately fifty per cent
- a range of new room layouts and increased ceiling height
elevations will allow the gallery to display more of the 15,000
items in its collection while also improving the gallery's ability
to attract bigger and better exhibitions
- a bold new gallery main entrance fronting Kitchener Street to
enhance access, while also creating an iconic new entry for the
gallery
- glazed surfaces to introduce controlled natural light to the
gallery when and where appropriate, along with view shafts through
the building, connecting the interior art experience with the
outside world
- restoring the 1916 East Gallery to its former state as the
first day lit picture gallery in New Zealand,
- creating three distinct architectural interior characters - the
late Victorian Wellesley and Kitchener wings, the neo-classical
East Gallery and the 21st century new building additions
- creating special facilities for young people and families that
will enable them to engage in both a structured (i.e. schools
programmes) and unstructured range of experiences designed to grow
their understanding and enjoyment of art
- dedicating more space specifically to learning programmes,
including a new education classroom, an expanded auditorium, a much
bigger research library and self-directed learning facilities
- development of the adjacent Albert Park landscape, including an
informal amphitheatre on the north-eastern side that encourages
public performance, gatherings and activity
- creating a landscaped pedestrian link between Kitchener Street
and Albert Park, including water features and a new stair that
steps park visitors up through a series of terraced levels parallel
to those of the building
- inclusion of a ceremonial entrance to the building on the
northern side, adjacent to the terraced area of Albert Park
- building of a covered and secure service entrance for the
movement of works of art and behind-the-scenes deliveries
- inclusion of an expanded gallery shop and café and
purpose-designed function facilities to enhance the gallery's
public amenities and its after-hours events capacity