New Zealand’s most extensive collection of national and international art.
The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is the largest art institution in New Zealand, with a collection of over 15,000 works. The gallery has been a major contributor to the cultural life of Auckland since it opened in 1888. Located in the central city, the gallery is adjacent to Albert Park and just a short walk from other major attractions such as the Viaduct Basin and Sky Tower.
The gallery is open 7 days a week, and admission is free. Permanent exhibitions range from traditional Maori carvings to contemporary New Zealand paintings, while temporary exhibitions showcase works from both local and international artists. The Auckland Art Gallery also has an extensive education programme, with classes and workshops suitable for all ages.
The Details:
📍Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
📞 +64 9 379 1349
🕣 Open 10am – 5pm daily
As you approach the building, you will see beautiful Kauri columns and a canopy that stand tall above you. As a result of the renovations in 2011, the building received the World Architecture Festival award as World Building of the Year.
Permanent Exhibitions
Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese House – Yin Yu Tang is a 300-year-old house that was dismantled in China and shipped to America, where it was reassembled at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. In 2018, the house was again dismantled and shipped to Auckland, where it was reassembled at the Auckland Art Gallery.
Yin Yu Tang is an excellent example of traditional Chinese architecture, and it provides insight into the everyday lives of a wealthy family in the Jiangsu province during the Qing dynasty. The house is furnished with a collection of furniture and artifacts that would have been used by the family who lived there.
In addition to Yin Yu Tang, the Auckland Art Gallery also has galleries dedicated to European, Pacific Islander, and New Zealand art from 1800 onwards. Contemporary art is also well represented, with a substantial number of works by New Zealand artists on display.
Temporary Exhibitions
The Auckland Art Gallery is currently hosting two temporary exhibitions: Gilbert & George: The Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Exhibition and Heavenly Beings: Icons of the Christian Orthodox World.
Gilbert & George: Gilbert & George have been creating art together since 1967, when they met at one of London’s top art schools. Their work is often controversial, sometimes cheeky, and always questioning. Throughout their artistic careers, they have been subjects in their own work and believed in ‘Art for all’.
Heavenly Beings: Icons is the most ambitious exhibition of icons in Australasia, combining examples from private and public collections across Aotearoa and Australia. This reveals T’maki Makaurau’s rich history and culture and helps highlight the importance of this tradition in our vibrant country.
Our Verdict:
If you’re in the mood for a little art appreciation, Auckland Art Gallery is the perfect spot. This modern and contemporary art gallery is located in the city centre, and features international art, sculpture gardens, and extensive gallery spaces. You can explore the collections at your own pace, or take a guided tour. On weekends, there are also often special events and talks. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just looking for a fun date idea, Auckland Art Gallery is definitely worth a visit. Plus, it’s one of the most famous buildings in the city, so you can say you’ve seen it even if you don’t love all the art inside!
Conclusion:
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is one of New Zealand’s premier cultural institutions. With over 15,000 works in its collection, there is something for everyone at the gallery. Permanent exhibitions showcase traditional Maori carvings and contemporary New Zealand paintings, while temporary exhibitions provide an opportunity to see works by both local and international artists.
The gallery also has an extensive education programme that offers classes and workshops for all ages. Admission to the gallery is free, making it an affordable activity for all budgets. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or someone who appreciates beauty in all forms, a visit to the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is sure to satisfy your appetite for culture.
