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Extensions to the Nelson Provincial Museum

by A. S. Bagley (Director)

The proposed extensions to the Nelson Provincial Museum described here are vital if the Museum is to survive as an educational and research facility available to the public in Nelson.

The present building, opened in 1973, was always considered the first part of a two-stage plan. Lack of space and a consequent lack of facilities to perform even the basic museum functions of storage, conservation and display, have made these additions necessary.

The immediate needs of the Museum are: Additional storage space to provide adequate storage not only for existing collections but also for future additions.

Additional work space – not only for preparation of displays but also to ensure that conservation and repair work can be undertaken.

Increased display area – this will enable the staff to present a more complete picture of the province, past and present. It is important that this area allow a flexible approach to display so that an interesting and informative environment can be created.

Areas suitable for short term displays and exhibitions, and for the use of other groups and societies for meetings, displays, etc.

An area to be used by school groups as a resource area.

A reception area and shop.

The architect, Graham Smith of Auckland, has incorporated all of these features into a design which makes good use of the park surrounds and provides a pleasant environment for visitors.

It can be seen from the floor plan shown here, that the existing building will be substantially altered to provide storage, work and office space. The Library area has been substantially increased with the addition of a reading room, further storage area will be available with the extension of a mezzaine through the centre of the building. The only display area to remain in the old building will be the Bett Gallery for paintings and other works on paper. The lecture area will be used as a base for visiting school groups and will be available as a meeting place for groups and societies.

The new display area consists of four galleries arranged around an open garden area. The intervening space is covered and will provide room for temporary exhibitions. Windows between the galleries will provide glimpses of the Park. Each gallery, from which natural light is excluded, will look at one aspect of the Province. The design allows an easy and logical movement from one gallery to the next – from Pre-history (inside the new entrance) to History to Natural History and finally to a look at issues, industries and developments in present day Nelson.

The total cost of these extensions and alterations is expected to be about $250,000 to be raised through Government assistance and public appeal. Once the monies have been raised and the building completed (we hope sometime next year) work can begin on display and care of the wealth of material in our collections and Nelson will have a Museum befitting the Province's interesting past and its diverse physical make-up.

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