Wanganui's Sarjeant Gallery has closed its doors and until its collection is moved into a temporary home, will not re-open for another two months.
The extremely low earthquake rating for the gallery in Queens Park is the prime reason for the shift to premises the Wanganui District Council is leasingat 38 Taupo Quay.
The doors closed on Sunday, March 2 and now staff begin he job of shifting both themselves and the nationally-recognised collection to Taupo Quay. It is expected to open at its new location on May 24.
Mayor Annette Main said council took the decision due to the potential risk to both staff and the public because the Sarjeant had an "extremely low compliance with earthquake standards".
"While closing the gallery is the correct response to the risks from earthquakes, we also recognise the need to ensure the collection remains accessible," Ms Main said.
"It's a major task moving a collection of this scale and importance, and doing it in a way that meets the highest standards of care. Even with the assistance of four temporary staff paid for by the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, it will take more than 18 months.
"Once the relocation of the public part of the gallery is complete, the process of carefully moving the collection of more than 5500 art works will take place."
She said when that is done the collection will be in a safe building in a controlled environment, instead of the basement of the gallery, and the Sarjeant will be ready for the strengthening work that will protect it far into the future.
Ms Main said the national importance of the Sarjeant and its collection was indicated by the strong encouragement the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Chris Finlayson, has given to the plans to redevelop the Gallery, protecting the building, looking after the collection and enhancing access.
"This is why the Mr Finlayson has provisionally set aside $10 million to support the $28 million redevelopment and earthquake strengthening project."
She said council's focus was now to complete the relocation and continuing its fundraising.
"We are grateful for the early indications that there is national support for a fundraising campaign. As a council we have recognised that a nationally significant project of this size can only be affordable for our community with this support from outside our district," she said.
