Margate's Turner Contemporary, a new £17.4m gallery dedicated to artist JMW Turner, has been officially handed over by Kent County Council (KCC).
Construction work is now complete at the David Chipperfield-designed attraction, which been transferred over to the trust that will operate the venue.
The handover comes after it was confirmed that Turner Contemporary will open its doors on 16 April 2011.
R Durtnell and Sons has delivered the new building, which will feature 750sq m (8,072sq ft) of gallery space across two floors.
KCC cabinet member for community services Mike Hill has overseen the development of the attraction on behalf of the council.
He said: "It was a great day for Turner Contemporary and for Margate. I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported the project.
"Now we will press on with improving the surrounding area as we look forward to the opening to the public next year."
In October, Thanet District Council revealed its list of priority projects to be carried out ahead of the gallery's opening.
