The Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment Project includes earthquake strengthening and restoration of the existing 100 year old Sarjeant Gallery; and the addition of a new, modern wing, which will be joined to the rear face of the Gallery.
The Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment Project is a partnership between Whanganui District Council, Whanganui iwi, central government, large and small private donors and Trusts.
The new wing will house a temperature and humidity controlled storage area for the Sarjeant’s nationally significant permanent collection, further gallery spaces, an education facility, event and function areas, staff offices, a board room, reception area, a café and retail space.
It will honour the memory of Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa, for his contribution to leadership in the Manawatū-Whanganui region and will be known as Te Pātaka o Tā Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa.
Te Pātaka o Tā Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa has been designed by Warren and Mahoney Architects. The design arrived at as the result of an Australasian design competition run in 1999.
Reopening will occur after the construction period has finalised and both the new and old gallery’s heating and ventilation systems have been fully commissioned so the artwork can be installed.
The redeveloped Sarjeant Gallery te Whare o Rehua Whanganui will open on 9 November 2024.
Funding
The funding for this project comes from a combination of sources: Whanganui District Council; Ministry for Culture & Heritage; Significant Projects Fund (DIA); New Zealand Lottery Grants Board; Provincial Growth Fund (Kānoa – RD); public and private trusts and a multitude of individual donations both large and small.