John Lewis, Pacific Cultures Gallery to be closed for a refresh, Otago Daily Times, 31 January 2025

For about 60 years, Tūhura Otago Museum’s Pacific Cultures Gallery has been the “go-to” place to learn about island life down under.

But as of Monday, the gallery will be closed to the public for the first time, for a much-needed refresh which is expected to take about two months.

Museum director Ian Griffin said the museum was working closely with the Pacific communities of Dunedin to refurbish the gallery, which had opened in the early 1960s and  remained largely unchanged.

However, funding challenges meant a full redevelopment was not possible, so the museum was aiming to make smaller, meaningful improvements to benefit the community, he said.

“Our collection team is looking forward to these long-overdue updates.

“While we may not be able to complete everything at once, we’re focused on making as much progress as possible.”

Museum Pasifika engagement co-ordinator Leota Meredith said the refurbishment was a significant milestone for the museum and the Pacific community.

“This is an historic moment for the museum and the Pacific community.

“It’s an exciting time to strengthen our relationships and work together for a brighter future.”

The museum’s Pacific collection was internationally significant and had several “standout pieces” that continued to be  key features of the gallery, she said.

Phase one of the upgrade would include updates to signs and labels, new paint and lighting and a reinterpretation of objects.

The gallery is expected to reopen in April.