the light. It was opened to the public, without ceremony, in 1915, just after the start of the First World War. The gallery was extended during the 1940s with east-west wings along the south galleries according to the Lutyens' design. The present north facade and galleries, constructed during the 1986–87 extension were designed by Meyer Pienaar and Associates. In recent years the building has been poorly maintained, with many gallery halls closed and notable artworks removed from display. Neighbourhood engagement As a major focus of urban regeneration programmes, the gallery used to provide the base for the Joubert Park Public Art Project. Today it is developing links with community centres based in the surrounding area. Chief curators P Anton Hendriks (1937–1964) Nel Erasmus (1964–1977) Pat Senior (1977–1983) Christopher Till (1983–1991) Rochelle Keene (1991–2003) Clive Kellner (2004–2008) Antoinette Murdoch (2009 – January 2017) Musha Nehuleni (acting curator, January 2017 – Dec 2018) Khwezi Gule (2019–present) http://www.702.co.za/articles/292579/meet-johannesburg-art-gallery-s-new-curator-khwezi-gule Thefts June 2002 St Thomas by El Greco. August 2002 Suitcase by Kendell Geers. Sculpture recovered in a damaged state. 1990s Talion by Gavin Younge. This large cast-bronze sculpture was commissioned by the gallery as part of its centenary celebrations in 1986. Thieves stole it by cutting bits off using a portable generator and an angle grinder fitted with a metal-cutting disc. Despite an insurance payout, the gallery never recast the missing sections. January 2011 General Hoche by Jules Dalou. September 2011 Mourning Woman by Sydney Kumalo, Peter Pan by Romano Romanelli and King of the Universe by Ernest Ullman. See also References Museums in Johannesburg Art museums and galleries in South Africa Art museums established in 1910 1910 establishments in South Africa Works of Edwin Lutyens