Australian gallery shuts to protects Matisse, Picasso works from smoke

The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra is taking measures to protect works being shown in its Matisse and Picasso exhibition, including some borrowed from the Musee Picasso in Paris. Photo Handout

The quality of air in Australia's capital was the worst of any major city in the world on Monday as smoke drifted in from fires, prompting shops and offices to tell staff to stay home and the national gallery to close its doors to protect its art.

While not in any imminent danger from fire, Canberra sits between blazes ravaging the east coast and others inland, and its skies have been darkened by smoke this week.