Te Whare O Rehua Sarjeant Gallery

The Sarjeant Gallery, also known as Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, at Pukenamu, Queen's Park Whanganui is a regional art museum with a collection of international and New Zealand art. It was closed for 10 years for redevelopment and re-opened on Saturday 9 November 2024. In 2024 it was announced as a 2024 NatGeo Best of the World pick. Founding and building The Sarjeant Gallery was built as the result of a bequest to the city by Henry Sarjeant in 1912. Sarjeant bequeathed the money "for the inspiration of ourselves and those who come after us." A competition was held to select an architect for the project; the winner was Dunedin architect Edmund Anscombe , but it is likely the actual design was completed by a young student in his offices named Donald Hosie. The original cruciform , neo-classical style gallery was opened in 1919. Four galleries branch off a central space capped with. Collections There are more than 8,300 artworks in the gallery's collection, spanning 400 years. Initially focused on 19th and early 20th century British and European art but, given the expansive terms of the will of benefactor Henry Sarjeant, the collection now spans 16th century through to the 21st century. Among the collections are historic and modern works in all media – on paper, sculptures, pottery, ceramics and glass; bronze works; video art; and paintings by contemporary artists and old masters. International artists featured in the collection include Edward Coley Burne-Jones , Domenico Piola , Frank.