THE NEW MUSEUM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20127, 21 April 1928, Page 6

THE NEW MUSEUM

AN IMPOSING STRUCTURE MONEY WELL SPENT The handing over of the key of the new Alexander Museum to the trustees on Monday will be a red letter day in the history of the Wanganui institution, which has not always trodden the primrose path to reach its state of prosperity.

Not to be forgotten are those who in days gone by silently worked to provide a museum worthy of the city, and the present structure is yet another example of the debt of gratitude that posterity owes to others who have passed on and who saw the need for a suitable building in which to house the treasured collections.

The old corrugated-iron building at the top of Drew’s Avenue has long been an eye-sore, and its dingy interior is anything but inspiring to visitors to the city. The new building presents a much ‘ more imposing appearance, although it contains nothing elaborate in the way of decoration. The sum that was handed to the contractors permitted of only a simple and economical design, but the money has been well proportioned and spent. It is a plain building of brick and reinforced concrete, which should meet all requirements. A noticeable feature is the splendid lighting effects that have been achieved by the architect, Air R. G. Tai boys, who consulted with Mr Hurst Seager, of Christchurch, on this point.

The old museum covered an area of 5500 square feet, whereas the new building covers double that space, the basement alone covering 5000 square feet. Tn the basement are tanks to be used for curing purposes, while there are also benches for the preparation of exhibits. The first floor contains a gallery that is surrounded by columns rising from the floor to the ceiling. The main entrance is on the first floor, the curator’s room being on the ground floor.

It will be some time before the exhibits will be shifted over to the new building, which at present is empty.