The Christchurch Art Gallery expects to reopen in 2015. It was closed for repairs after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Read on though about this magnificent art gallery, as it will soon be open. Until the reopening, the gallery has a temporary exhibit at an off-site location located at 209 Tuam Street.
The building that makes up the Christchurch Art Gallery is an architectural stand out. A stunningly modern complex constructed with waves of glass and metal, the structure's dramatic design offers a striking yet beautiful contrast to the Victorian Gothic setting of the city's much loved Cultural Precinct. The lovely gallery spaces and outdoor sculpture area come together to create an inviting space in which to enjoy the fine collection of historic European and New Zealand works as well as its magnificent modern collection.
While the current building that houses the museum may be contemporary, the Christchurch Art Gallery itself has a long history. Founded in 1932, the gallery has been collecting important works of art ever since, obtaining prominent pieces from New Zealand and around the world for its collection. As the gallery's collection continued to grow, the old gallery site became outdated and it was apparent that a new premier venue would be required. This is the first custom-designed art museum to be built in New Zealand in over half a century, a place designed to showcase art for maximum enjoyment.
While the gallery sustained only minor damage in the devastating Christchurch earthquake of 2011, the museum had to temporarily close due to the damage of surrounding buildings in the area. The gallery's collection of over 6,000 pieces had to be moved to other parts of the complex as the building became a place for emergency operations for the city immediately after the earthquake and while the museum repaired the damage to its own building. The gallery expects to reopen in 2015.
