Hall of Memories restored

Among the quiet and commemoration on the top floor of the Auckland Museum, builders worked tirelessly to complete a major restoration.

Behind cladding and hoardings sat the World War One Sanctuary, situated within the Museum’s Hall of Memories.

From April through until August the sanctuary was closed for the extensive heritage maintenance and repair work on the windows and framework. Auckland architect and craftsman Chris Gibbons led the project

‘‘The museum is one of the hardest buildings I've had to work on’’

Architect Chris Gibbons

alongside tradesmen Guillaume Hyvert and Mark Gill. ‘‘The logistics were hard as the museum is one of the hardest buildings I’ve had to work on because it’s open to the public,’’ Gibbons says.

The extensive restoration work came under budget at just under $500,000 and involved rebuilding stained glass, removing rust, fixing plaster and stonework all while trying to avoid damaging the floor and the marble monument.

The top floor of the museum is dedicated to the memory of fallen soldiers. New Zealand sent more men to fight in the First World War, per head of population, than any other nation with 18,166 Kiwis losing their lives. As nearly all those killed were buried overseas, and almost one-third have no known grave, the Hall of Memories is a place for commemoration and reflection.