The first building on the museum site was constructed in 1865 as an athenaeum with the purpose of providing a space for cultural and learning opportunities for the Hawke 's Bay community . The Hawke 's Bay Philosophical and Mechanic 's Institute was based in this building during the early 19th century and contributed ideas on art and science to the province . Individuals behind these early institutions were William Colenso , Henry Hill and Augustus Hamilton . The 1931 Hawke 's Bay earthquake considerably damaged the institutes ’ collections but the building was one of few to remain standing . The earthquake underscored Hawke 's Bay 's need for a purpose-built art gallery and museum for the safekeeping of the region 's treasures . In 1936 a new building was constructed with funds raised from the Hawke 's Bay community . It was designed by architect James Augustus Louis Hay . Leonard Bestall was appointed honorary director to the newly built '' ' Hawke 's Bay Art Gallery and Museum ' '' . A series of generous bequests enriched the museum 's collection and also provided the funds to purchase the artwork Renaissance by Roland Hipkins . After Bestall 's death in 1959 the museum was run by numerous directors , each one adding their own personal passions to the collection and museum buildings . James Munro was appointed director in 1959 and concentrated on building a strong collection of decorative art objects . His dedication for a broader role for the museum led to the construction of the Century Theatre in 1977 . The theatre was named for the centenary of the city of Napier and it was designed by modernist Guy Natusch and acted as a concert chamber . In 1980 Robert McGregor was appointed director of the Hawke 's Bay museum and undertook the task of redeveloping the collection storage areas . In 1984 taonga from the museum 's collection were included in the Te Māori exhibition which toured American institutions such as the Met and St Louis Art Museum
1931 Hawke 's Bay earthquake
1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake
MTG Hawke's Bay