New Zealand / Regional

Taranaki gallery closes while Len Lye centre built

10:56 am on 21 April 2013

A New Plymouth art gallery has closed for two years for an upgrade and the building of a centre devoted to the works of kinetic artist Len Lye.

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery will be earthquake strengthened and the new centre built beside at a total cost of $10 million.

New Plymouth district councillors gave the project the go-ahead last month, despite critics saying the Len Lye centre was a waste of money.

Gallery director Rhana Devenport says the gallery will remain active with travelling exhibitions and education programmes throughout the province.