Beaverbrook Art Gallery expansion plans public meeting happening tonight

Members of the public will get to weigh in on what they think of the proposed 14,000 square foot expansion to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton at a Monday evening meeting.

The renovation and expansion will include new gallery spaces, a terrace, an artist-in-residence studio, as well as a multipurpose theatre for film showings or children's activities.

The expansion is expected to take about two years to complete and is being paid for by all three levels of government and private donors.

The new structure will be made largely with Dorchester stone, in keeping with the neighbouring legislature. The stone will be "floating" above a level of glass, meant to open the public spaces to the environment and engage passersby.

Construction is scheduled to begin this falland be completed by late 2017.

The expansion will allow for greater rental opportunities, better ability to accommodate large travelling exhibits, improved accessibility and increased revenue, say officials.

Tonight's meeting is being held at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall.