What it is
The gallery opened on 10 May 2003, replacing the Robert McDougall Art Gallery, which had occupied a building in the Botanic Gardens since 1932. Its curving glass and steel facade was designed by the Buchan Group, and the forecourt sculpture Reason for Voyaging is a collaboration between artist Graham Bennett and architect David Cole.
After the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes the building served as the city's Civil Defence headquarters, and it reopened to the public on 19 December 2015 after extensive repairs. The collection covers historical and contemporary New Zealand art, including Māori and Pacific work, alongside international pieces.
Getting there by bus
The closest stop is Hereford St near Montreal St (stop 52915), about 150 m away, served by route 8 (Airport/Lyttelton). Rolleston Ave near Gloucester St (stop 52927), roughly 3 minutes' walk, is on the same route.
Kilmore Street Town Hall (stop 54520), around 7 minutes' walk north, is served by routes 1, 29 and 95, and Christchurch Hospital Main Stop (stops 51824 and 14704), about 8 minutes south-west, by routes 3, 5, 7, 60, 80, 81, 84, 85, 86, 91 and 92.
