The Suter is reborn - 2 October

Media release: 14 July 2016

The grandparent of New Zealand art galleries opens with a bang on Sunday 2 October when The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū celebrates an extensive $12 million redevelopment. The project is a partnership between Nelson City Council and the Bishop Suter Trust and has been underway since early 2015.

While July sees the end of the building process, fit-out and systems testing continue through to August. A dawn blessing is planned for 12 August, before The Suter’s collection is moved back.

The Suter is the oldest gallery in continuous use in New Zealand and the original Bishop Suter Memorial Art Gallery, built in 1899, has been restored, seismic strengthened and also fitted out with up to date lighting and equipment. It is one of several new spacious exhibition galleries.

Other facilities include an education room, collection storage and workshop areas. The theatre has been refurbished and the café returns to its original park-side setting.

The state of the art facilities will mean the collection can be showcased in new and exciting ways. The Suter now has the ability to attract significant travelling exhibitions and borrow art works to supplement their own unique collection.

The opening will be a day of celebration for all the family featuring art, fun, music and activities throughout The Suter and outside in Queens Gardens. Come in costume inspired by your favourite artist or art work – roving judges will be awarding spot prizes.

The new facilities are designed to be accessible for all, with an entry ramp from Bridge Street and a lift to reach the upstairs offices.

Entry to The Suter will be free for the people of the Nelson region.

ENDS

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