Within 24 hours, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki has been the recipient of three national awards.

At the 2012 New Zealand Museum Awards dinner last night, the Gallery won the Project Achievement Award for Museum or Gallery Development. Earlier, the Gallery was also announced a winner in two categories of the 2012 New Zealand Architecture Awards: Heritage and Public Architecture.

Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) Chairman, Sir Don McKinnon says 'We are honoured that the Gallery - one of Auckland's finest facilities - has been so highly recognised and appreciated, especially as we strive to improve standards and experience for both Aucklanders and our city's visitors. Following redevelopment, the Gallery offers an ideal blend of both function and aesthetic in this regard.'

At the New Zealand Museum Awards, the judges were impressed with Auckland Art Gallery, stating that it is 'A stand-out redevelopment, well-realised and already making a huge impact on art audiences within and visiting Auckland. This is a world class art museum that values both its architectural heritage and contemporary opportunities, where old and new flow together and engage with the city and park contexts.

'The Auckland Art Gallery worked with the critical process to achieve a highly considered result. It is leading by example in its building and programming - features including gold star accessibility, sustainable timber features, artists commissions integrated with design and strong curatorial outcomes - all superbly realised.'

The convenor of the New Zealand Institute of Architects Awards jury, Hugh Tennent says, 'The standard of public and commercial projects was very high. The Awards show that, despite the financial constraints we're all facing, public bodies and private developers are commissioning high-quality buildings.' The Gallery is one of Auckland Council's building projects shortlisted for the 2012 New Zealand Architecture Grand Medal. Other Council projects include the Wynyard Quarter and the Museum of Transport and Technology.

Finalists will be announced at the Awards dinner on 25 May.