NATIONAL GALLERY OF ZIMBABWE UNDERGOES MAJOR RENOVATION

The National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) is currently undergoing significant renovations and upgrades, made possible by a generous grant of over USD 500,000 from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This crucial funding, accessed through the Foundation’s “New Visionary Leadership to Support Infrastructure” initiative, is enabling the iconic cultural institution to refurbish its amenities and enhance its protective measures.

Raphael Chikukwa, the Executive Director of the NGZ, expressed his profound satisfaction with the progress, stating, “This is a huge milestone for us as a cultural institution to be able to refurbish our building.” He further elaborated on the importance of the Mellon Foundation Grant, emphasizing that it allows the gallery to “face-lift for the purposes of protecting our heritage and these buildings needs maintenance and to showcase both local and international artists.”

The initial phase of the refurbishment, which commenced in January, has seen immediate improvements in security and access control. New Access Control Systems have been meticulously installed in key areas of the building, streamlining entry to sensitive gallery sections. Furthermore, robust roller shutters and trellis doors have been fitted as security barriers in crucial locations, specifically designed to safeguard exhibition spaces and the invaluable permanent collection storage areas. This digital overhaul of access controls is a significant step towards modernizing the gallery’s security infrastructure. The second phase will see a complete overhaul of access to storage units, further strengthening security protocols.

Looking ahead, Phase 2 of the refurbishment promises even more comprehensive enhancements. A state-of-the-art Fire Suppression System and a Fire Curtain are slated for installation, with storage areas being repurposed to accommodate these vital flame prevention systems. In an effort to address the perennial issue of space in museums, additional storage in the form of containers will be procured, aiming to declutter the existing in-building storage facilities. The final significant upgrade in this phase will be to the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, which will further bolster the Gallery’s security components, providing an advanced monitoring and surveillance network.

Beyond these immediate improvements, the Mellon Foundation Grant will also be instrumental in expanding the gallery’s overall storage capacity. This addresses a critical need for cultural institutions like the NGZ, where space for housing and preserving artistic heritage is always a premium. These upgrades are not just about aesthetics; they are fundamental to ensuring the long-term preservation of Zimbabwe’s artistic treasures and providing a secure and world-class environment for both local and international exhibitions.