Thursday 5 March 2026
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is nearing the end of a major restoration of its 139-year-old heritage building, protecting the historic structure and the treasured artworks it houses. The Heritage Restoration Project, Kia whakahou, kia whakaora focused on the Gallery’s heritage wing and has safeguarded one of Auckland’s earliest civic buildings, a Category 1 historic place.
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says, “This restoration safeguards an iconic Auckland landmark. Delivered under budget, the project has renewed the building so it looks and feels unchanged, yet is strengthened for generations to come. By preserving its original features, the Gallery remains true to itself and its history - echoing the way the 2023 Wintergardens restoration revitalised those beautiful buildings while retaining their character.
“Reflecting exceptional planning by the team, the Gallery has remained open throughout, continuing to welcome visitors and sustain strong engagement through a programme of major exhibitions such as The Robertson Gift: Paths through Modernity, Guo Pei: Fashion, Art, Fantasy, and A Century of Modern Art.”
Led by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) on behalf of Auckland Council, the project has included replacement of the old heritage slate roof and associated roof elements, including renewal of flashings, gutters and downpipes.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited CE Nick Hill says, “This restoration was large in scale and technically complex, requiring specialist heritage expertise throughout. The work was staged to minimise disruption while the Gallery remained open. Using slate from the same Welsh quarry as the original 1887 roof reflects the commitment to authentic materials and preserving the heritage building.”
The project also repaired the original render on the surface of the building. Old bitumen layers were removed using specialist techniques, damaged plaster was repaired, and the building was resurfaced with a fresh protective coating. The recoating reinstated a lighter, brighter finish. Original exterior windows were assessed and remediated to improve weathertightness. Targeted seismic strengthening has been completed in key areas and external lighting has been upgraded to complement the restored architecture. Original heritage features have been reinstated, including dormer roofing (replacing later skylights), copper vent towers, and the “Art Gallery” heritage lettering.
The work was needed after deterioration over time meant the slate roof was no longer providing reliable protection and became a health and safety risk, with temporary mitigation including a catch-fence along the roofline. There was also significant wear and tear to the exterior render of the building.
Design and investigation began in April 2021, with physical works starting in February 2023. Final works were completed at the end of February, marking a major completion milestone and returning the heritage building to full view.
The project is funded by Auckland Council through its Long-term Plan for this significant Auckland asset, with additional support from Te Tahua Taiao Ngā Taonga Lottery Environment and Heritage Lottery Environment and Heritage fund, administered by the Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua. Project partners include Ignite Architecture and David Pearson Architects (heritage specialists), Precon Project Management and Savory Construction (main contractor).
As part of the project, some original slate tiles removed from the heritage roof have also been repurposed for a fundraising initiative led by the Auckland Art Gallery Foundation. A selection of the historic tiles has been transformed into an open-edition artwork by artist Denis O’Connor, titled My Two Arms the One Length, 2025. Proceeds from the work support Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
About this iconic heritage building
One of Auckland’s very first civic buildings, the Gallery is admired for its timeless beauty. Designed by Melbourne architects John H Grainger and Charles A D’Ebro, the original Gallery building contains influences from French Renaissance and Second Empire styles. After opening in 1887 as Auckland City’s Free Public Library and Municipal Offices, part of this heritage building was devoted to the Gallery and its doors officially opened on 17 February 1888.
As the home of art in New Zealand, the Gallery has continued to grow, first with the addition of the Mackelvie Gallery in 1916 and then with its multi-award-winning expansion in 2011. Today, the Gallery retains its historic architecture, combining it with a 21st-century design that connects people with art and heritage.
Project cost
A total project budget of $31.4m was allocated for the repair, remediation and restoration of this significant heritage facility, with the forecast final cost expected to be $30.2m. By taking advantage of scaffold access already required for the roof replacement, efficiencies and savings were achieved for the façade and lighting stages by reusing existing access at minimal additional cost and with minimal impact to the Gallery’s operations, visitors and neighbours.