The first of the mirror-like stainless steel panels that make up the facade of the new Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth has been revealed.
A construction worker peels away the protective layer from a stainless steel panel on the exterior of the new Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth. Photo: SUPPLIED
A protective coating has been removed from the first of seventeen 14 metre-high panels, giving a glimpse of what the $11.5 million complex's completed exterior will look like.
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery director Simon Rees said the unveiling of the panels was one more milestone in the building project.
Mr Rees said the Len Lye Centre would be New Zealand's first art museum dedicated to a single artist.
"It is a story about experimental design and engineering. Everybody associated with this project, and me included as Director of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, thinks of New Plymouth as New Zealand's cultural capital.
"The revealing of the stainless steel panels is a glimpse at the role our institution and the city of New Plymouth are going to play in shaping architecture and art in this country for the future."
The centre, which opens on 25 July, will operate alongside the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, which is being earthquake-strengthened.
