KEY POINTS:
Auckland Museum not only has a new look from the outside, but a shifting focus on the inside under new director Vanda Vitali.
The Canadian has ruffled more than a few Kiwi feathers introducing new ideas to enhance the museum's connection with the city.
A big restructuring last year left 46 staff members, including many long-serving and senior staff, without jobs.
Then disgruntled World War II Bomber Command veterans accused Dr Vitali of having little knowledge of Anzac tradition, after they were refused space for a memorial inside the museum. The stand-off has now been resolved.
Throughout these difficulties, the Canadian has enjoyed strong backing from the board.
The showing of a restored Gallipoli film projected on to the front of the museum building and the first major exhibition under her watch, Secrets, have shown a taste of where she wants to take the museum.
That is, innovative and attractive exhibitions and public programmes, bringing in new audiences.
She also has plans for redevelopment of exhibition areas on three levels to bring greater logic to visitor flows and coherence to displays.
