Ashburton's new $10 million art gallery could finally have art on its walls by June now that its air conditioning unit has been repaired.
Ashburton Art Gallery Photo: Ashburton District Council
The gallery and museum opened in February $4 million over budget and without any art, after it was discovered its air conditioning unit was not going to be able to provide the conditions needed to preserve its collection.
Tests will be run on the repaired unit next week. If everything goes to plan the gallery could finally open its doors in June.
Spokesperson Nicole Bourke said it had been a frustrating process, given they were originally supposed to open in October last year.
She said the gallery had missed several touring exhibitions because of the delayed opening and expected to make a financial loss this year.
The opening exhibition will feature works from the gallery's permanent collection, which has been in storage since May last year.
