Located in Civic Square, the Gallery is recognised as pivotal to Wellington’s positioning and growth as New Zealand’s arts capital. City Gallery Wellington plays a unique role in the New Zealand's cultural landscape. The gallery mounts a changing programme of exhibitions and does not have a collection. City Gallery Wellington re-opened in September 2009 after a year's closure for renovations. Three new gallery spaces were added, including one devoted to the exhibition of Maori and Pacific art, plus a new auditorium. The additions were designed by Wellington architect Stuart Gardyne of Architecture+. The Gallery reopened with the exhibition Yayoi Kusama: Mirrored Years which achieved almost record attendance. In 2018, the gallery’s entrance was remodeled to improve access.