Distinctive peak coming down

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Publication title: Southland Express

Locals were invited to share their memories of the old Southland Museum & Art Gallery/Niho o Te Taniwha ahead of demolition work which began this week

The Southland Museum & Art Gallery in Gala St was constructed in 1942. The distinctive pyramid roof was added as part of renovation work in 1990.

Due to earthquake risk, the museum was permanently closed on April 9, 2018.

‘‘For more than three decades, the pyramid has been the backdrop to Invercargill life.

Demolition of the old museum began [on Monday], so the Farewell Pyramid campaign is a way to not only say farewell but also preserve special memories’’ Te Unua Museum of Southland director Eloise Wallace said.

The council wanted to hear from as many people as possible about their memories of the old museum and especially from residents who remembered the original museum before the pyramid went up.

‘‘I’m sure many...