Robert McDougall Gallery

Designed by Edward Armstrong and opened in 1932, the Robert McDougall Gallery served as the City’s public art gallery for 70 years.Considered then to be the most modern gallery in the southern hemisphere, this pared back classical-inspired modernist building has stood the test of time as a purpose-built gallery. Built in brick and concrete and faced with Oamaru stone, its interior features a magnificent marble floor and scagliola columned central court, off which gallery spaces radiate.
Influenced by Samuel Hurst Seager, a key feature of Armstrong’s design was the extensive use of sky lighting to provide natural light into the galleries. Gisborne-born Armstrong spent most of his working life overseas. He was practising in London at the time he won the competition for the McDougall Gallery. The gallery is closed, it having been usurped by the new Christchurch City Gallery.