KEY POINTS:
Auckland Museum has cancelled its planned Vatican exhibition after key artworks promised as part of the travelling display were withdrawn.
Director Vanda Vitali said she was not satisfied with the amended contents of the exhibition.
"I could not, in good conscience, present an exhibition that did not live up to what was promised and what we believe our visitors expect from this museum," Dr Vitali said.
"It breaks my heart not to be able to offer this to individuals and groups who had already made plans around its exhibition dates.
"However, Auckland Museum is a world-class institution and, if we tried to mount a less significant exhibit, we would be doing a disservice to everyone."
- NZPA
