Christchurch's quake-damaged Art Gallery is scheduled to be re-opened in time for Christmas.

The building's been closed since the February 2011 quake with several re-opening dates falling through.

Now ground remediation work's complete, base isolation work can begin before the final restructuring of the glass facade will be undertaken.

Director Jenny Harper says it's a tight deadline, but they're determined to make it.

"I can't believe how long it's taking either but it is underway. The staff are scheduled to move back on the 1st of September, we are expecting to open this side of Christmas this year."