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Auckland Art Gallery is closing its main building's doors to get ready for a major makeover.
The main gallery building is closing today to allow staff to finish decommissioning and put artwork into storage before a major upgrade begins in April.
Planning for the upgrade began in 2000 and the new gallery is scheduled to reopen in late 2010.
A programme of exhibitions and events will continue at the New Gallery building on the corner of Lorne and Wellesley St.
"The Auckland Art Gallery development is one of the largest heritage restoration projects ever undertaken in New Zealand," Mayor John Banks said.
Auckland Art Gallery board chairwoman Councillor Noelene Raffills said that while the gallery was one of the city's most historic buildings, it wasn't up to modern standards.
"The gallery is going to be bigger - half as big again - with much more exhibition and display space. It'll have a larger auditorium, a new cafe and gallery shop, better lighting and sound, as well as dedicated education, children and family spaces," she said.
"Relocating staff, carefully storing many of the country's national treasures as well as moving our events and exhibitions programme is just some of the work that has occupied the gallery team over the last few months," director Chris Saines said.
