City Gallery Wellington receives New Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington Award

“City Gallery’s renovation sits assertively as a distinct piece of architecture, a brave addition to arguably Wellington ’s best architectural precinct, the Civic Square .” Urbis magazine, issue 54, 2009

City Gallery Wellington and Architecture+ were honoured with a New Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington Award in a ceremony last night in the Michael Fowler Centre.

The award, which recognised significant contributions to Wellington ’s public architecture, was received by City Gallery Director, Paula Savage. She comments, “I worked closely with award-winning architect Stuart Gardyne to translate the Gallery’s expanded vision into a new south tower extension. The final result has exceeded our expectations. This development project, modest in scope and budget, required everyone involved to think creatively and smart.

Boldly contemporary—while remaining respectful of and harmoniously complementing the original 1930s heritage building—the development has had a significant impact on the experience of visiting the Gallery.

The rusting steel webgrate façade has a strong, sculptural presence and the interior of the Gallery is now catalysed with new light and space. City Gallery Wellington is a much-loved and integral part of the fabric of the city and our building redevelopment allows us to better serve many communities with a diverse range of art exhibitions and events.”

The building’s redesign includes two new gallery spaces: the revamped Hirschfeld Gallery and the new Deane Gallery space, dedicated to the exhibition of Māori and Pacific art. City Gallery now also boasts the new Adam Auditorium for screenings and presentations, and the expanded Hancock foyer has been well-utilised as a new exhibition space for the Wellington City Council’s art collection.

City Gallery’s redevelopment was made possible by Wellington City Council. Generous financial investment was also provided by the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board (Environment & Heritage), the Russell Hancock bequest, the City Gallery Wellington Foundation, Denis and Verna Adam, the Michael Hirschfeld family and Dr Roderick and Gillian Deane.

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