The refurbished Auckland Art Gallery throws open its doors to the public today, revealing a grand design for the country's greatest treasure trove of New Zealand and international art.
Gallery director Chris Saines says the $121 million heritage restoration and glittering expansion heralds a renaissance for the city, already thrilled by the Wynyard Quarter and the new Q Theatre.
Alongside the 1887 French chateau-style building, Australian firm Frances-Jones Morehen Thorp in association with New Zealand firm Archimedia have designed a 14.5m high entrance atrium featuring a series of dramatic kauri canopies, permanent and temporary artworks, including a colourful floral chandelier by Korean artist Choi Jeong Hwa.
With the exception of the Grey Gallery - originally the city's public library - the increased gallery floor plate has a totally new look and feel.
The old East Gallery has been returned to its former glory and renamed the Mackelvie Gallery, to honour James Mackelvie, a Scottish collector and early patron.
