Didn’t it start as a humble cottage? It’s hard to believe that this grand structure before us, the AK Building, has such modest beginnings. Let’s delve into the story of this point of interest.
The Auckland Museum, the institution behind the AK Building, was established in 1852. Initially, it was housed in a small cottage on Grafton Road. This cottage was known as “Old Government Farm House” or “The Governor’s Dairy”. It sat near the corner of Symonds Street. This area is now part of the University of Auckland.
The museum first opened its doors to the public on Sunday, October 24, 1852. It was open every Wednesday and Saturday thereafter. Honorary Secretary John Alexander Smith announced the museum’s opening in the newspapers. That was from October 29th of that year.
Smith explained the museum’s purpose. It was to collect specimens illustrating New Zealand’s natural history. This included geology, mineralogy, entomology, and ornithology. It also aimed to gather weapons, clothing, and implements from New Zealand. These came from the islands of the Pacific. Any memento of Captain Cook or his voyages would be gratefully accepted. The museum also sought coins and medals, both ancient and modern. An industrial museum was connected. It exhibited building and ornamental stone. Timber for various purposes was on display, as were clays, sands, dyes, and tanning substances. Gums, resins, flax, hemp, and hair were also showcased. Samples of New Zealand wool were desirable. Contributors were asked to send samples in duplicate.
The museum attracted 708 visitors in its first year. However, interest waned over the next decade. Despite this, the collection grew. In 1869, the museum was transferred to the Auckland Institute. This was a learned society formed two years earlier. An Italianate-style building was built for the museum. It was on Princes Street near Government House. It was across the road from the Northern Club. The Governor of New Zealand, George Phipps, opened it on June 5, 1876.
The new premises included a large gallery. It was top-lit by a metal-framed skylight. However, this room proved problematic. It was impossible to heat during the winter. It overheated during the summer. Canvas awnings shielded the roof from harsh sunlight. This made the exhibits difficult to view. Several exhibition halls were added to the side of the original building.
In the early 20th century, curator Thomas Cheeseman sought order. He separated the collections. Natural history, classical sculpture, and anthropology had been displayed unsystematically. The need for better conditions and space prompted a move. The project merged with a memorial for soldiers lost in World War I.
After consultations, a site on a hill in the Government Domain was chosen. It commanded impressive views of the Waitematā Harbour. The Auckland City Council granted permission in 1918. The Council gave an initial gift of £10,000. It also agreed to an annual subsidy from rates. This supported the facility’s maintenance.
A worldwide architectural competition was funded by the Institute of British Architects. The Auckland firm of Grierson, Aimer and Draffin won. Their neo-classical design was reminiscent of Greco-Roman temples. In 1920, the present site was settled on. In August 1925, building of the Auckland War Memorial Museum began. Construction was completed in 1929. The Governor-General, General Sir Charles Fergusson, opened the new building. It has been a landmark ever since.
The AK Building, as part of the Auckland Museum, continues to evolve. It honors its past while embracing the future. Its collections and exhibitions tell the story of Auckland and New Zealand. It is a place of remembrance, learning, and cultural significance.