Newly reopened Art Gallery of Nova Scotia still needs millions in renovations

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, which reopened to the public this weekend after being closed for several months, has a new $600,000 sprinkler system to safeguard visitors and its collection.

But it still needs millions in renovations to protect both from the elements and to replace out-of-date elevators.

According to the Department of Public Works, the gallery will get a $1.9-million roof this year, along with $385,000 to replace windows. The cost to upgrade the elevators is $267,000.

The work is needed to try to extend the life of the gallery because plans for a new facility on the Halifax waterfront remain on hold. The provincial government said almost two years ago it was pausing that project due to escalating cost.

On Friday, gallery CEO Sarah Moore Fillmore said the project remains in limbo.

"We haven't had any conversations about that," said Moore Fillmore. "We've really just been centred on making sure that we have a place here and now to show work.

"We're assured that this continues to be a priority, that making sure that the collection is safe and that Nova Scotians have access to it remains a priority."

Public asset

In an email, Gary Andrea, an official with Public Works, said the renovations have value beyond the current purpose of housing the gallery.

"The existing Art Gallery building will remain as a public works asset and these projects will ensure it remains in a safe and reliable condition," said Andrea.

Moore Fillmore said gallery staff were on hand during the sprinkler replacement to make sure valuable artwork was protected, including Maud Lewis's tiny home.

"We had a conservation team come in and build the protective shell around the house," said Moore Fillmore. "We had to remove all of the artwork from the walls."

Moore Fillmore said the gallery has been working with Public Works to schedule what still needs to be done to try to  minimize future disruptions. 

"It may mean closures of parts of the building, but our hope is that we will continue to be able to offer exhibitions to the public," she said.

The gallery recently announced it would not reopen its western branch in Yarmouth. It said in a news release the money used to operate the branch could be better used "to enhance art programming for all Nova Scotians, including those living in the Western Region."

That decision has sparked two protests in Yarmouth, as well as a petition calling on the gallery to reopen the branch.