New look reflects gallery's past

Splashes of the past are set to be revealed in the new-look Auckland Art Gallery, to be completed by 2011.

A year has passed since the $113 million restoration project began and plans for a modern design with hints of the original building have been uncovered.

Intricate detailing, pillars, high ceilings, domes and larger open spaces will be able to house up to 900 pieces of art.

At a tour through the construction site yesterday, gallery director Chris Saines said the traditional-meets-contemporary design was important in showing off one of the country's most beautiful heritage buildings.

"We have effectively taken the building back to 1916 and then gone forward."

Mr Saines said the art collection had pieces from the 16th to the 20th century and so it was only fitting that the building that housed the art reflected it.

The restoration process had been a voyage of discovery, with various "gems" uncovered and brought back to their original glory.

"We want to make these heritage parts of the building as available to the public as we can," he said.

"We're really turning this on its head."

A series of glass panels - running on the eastern side of the gallery - will provide an interesting and unique interactive feature.

Looking out at Albert Park, those walking through that side of the gallery will be ableto see out to the park and people on the footpath.

In the same way, those walking through the park will be able to look into the gallery and see the various pieces of art and people admiring them.

"It allows the public - inside and outside - to connect with the gallery," Mr Saines said.

"The art gallery is no longer just a building on the street. It's a part of the city, the people and the culture."