Jordan McCraeAuckland, hey? Beaches, volcanoes, and overpriced lattes – got it. But did you know this city also has an art scene that could rival its caffeine addiction?
Ditch the surfboard and grab your beret (optional, but adds drama), because we’re about to uncover Auckland’s best art galleries. This isn’t your grandma’s stuffy museum experience. Think bold installations, street art, and enough creativity to make your skinny jeans feel even tighter!
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
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Location: Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 379 1349
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is a can’t-miss destination since it’s home to over 15,000 breathtaking works. Expect a whirlwind tour through art history, from iconic European paintings to groundbreaking modern art and stunning examples of Māori and Pacific Island artistry.
You’ll find more than just paintings here – sculptures, prints, and installations that create a multi-sensory experience. Plus, the gallery itself is a beautiful blend of heritage and contemporary architecture.
Gow Langsford Gallery
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Location: 28/36 Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 303 4290
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Forget stuffy museums and embrace the cutting edge at Gow Langsford Gallery! This is where New Zealand’s most daring and innovative contemporary artists get their spotlight. Think bold installations, thought-provoking pieces, and paintings that challenge the norm.
Gow Langsford is known for fostering the careers of art stars, so you might just be witnessing the next big thing before it hits the deadlines. Best part? Admission is absolutely free! It’s an accessible adventure for any art lover.
Gus Fischer Gallery
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Location: 74 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 923 6646
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturdays – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Housed in a 1934 heritage gem, Gus Fischer Gallery curates the fresh, the experimental, the stimulating, and the international, without asking for a dime on entry. Yes, you heard it right – you can go for free!
But free admission is not the only aspect that makes this place distinctive. This space has been graced with works by some of the world’s most pertinent artists, for example, Cao Fei, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Carolee Schneeman, Larry Achiampong, and many more.
Silo 6
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Location: Beaumont Street &, Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand
Contact: [email protected]
Tucked away on the waterfront in the Wynyard Quarter, Silo 6 is not your usual white-walled art exhibition space. It’s even home to an ever-changing mix of exhibitions, installations, and events showcasing inquisitive and thought-provoking works from New Zealand.
Plus, some exhibitions are free, so your wallet gets a break while your mind gets a workout!
The Arts House Trust
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Location: Pah Homestead 72 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, Auckland 1042, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 639 2010
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
With over 9,000 works from Aotearoa artists, The Arts House Trust invites you to explore diverse contemporary exhibitions, soak in the atmosphere at a new concert, or browse a lively market.
With an extensive private collection that changes every four to six weeks, you’ll find something new and thrilling on each visit here. You can even enjoy a serene lunch on their veranda or stroll along magnificent trees within the sprawling grounds.
Don’t forget to fuel your visit with treats from the on-site cafe or take home a unique memento from their gallery shop!
Melanie Roger Gallery
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Location: 444 Karangahape Road, Newton, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 366 7610
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The visionary Melanie Roger, for whom the gallery is named, curates the shows with care by getting visitors to think outside the box. Don’t be surprised if, on your visit, you find yourself pondering weighty themes like inner psyches, commercialism, and more.
While admission is free, the gallery does accept koha or donations to support its work promoting Kiwi artists. Just make sure to go with an open mind and be ready for an afternoon of stimulating art and conversation with your fellow gallery-goes.
Don’t forget to pop into the shop afterward for unique artsy souvenirs and books (and make sure to read them and not just stock them on your shelves!).
Parnell Gallery
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Location: 263 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 377 3133
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
If you’re looking for a touch of art world prestige, Parnell Gallery is your Auckland destination. This long-standing gallery has been an icon in the scene since 1976, known for showcasing an exceptional collection of established and emerging talent.
This place shows captivating paintings, striking sculptures, and limited-edition prints from artists with serious reputations. The gallery even hosts regular exhibitions throughout the year, often with the chance to meet the artists themselves.
Plus, if you’re keen on adding a special piece to your collection, they offer expert guidance and bespoke services to help you find the perfect artwork. While there’s no admission fee, be prepared – your artist’s wishlist might grow substantially after a visit!
Artspace
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Location: 292 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1145, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 303 4965
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Artspace is the place to be if you want to witness immersive art installations, interactive multimedia, photography, sculptures, and moving image works. You even find yourself pondering themes like consumption and waste, our digital lives, and more.
One of the best things about this place is that the admission is free! The operating costs are covered by donations from visitors as well as funding from Creative New Zealand and other art sponsors.
TURUA GALLERY
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Location: 10A Turua Street, St Heliers, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 575 8001
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
With a mission to demystify contemporary art, Turua Gallery provides a relaxed space where the beauty and diversity of Aotearoa are showcased through a broad range of artworks, including paintings, prints, sculptures, and ceramics.
Think bold colors, striking installations, and pieces that’ll make you go “Hmmm…” (that’s the good kind of “Hmmm”). Plus, you won’t need to break the bank – admission is free. You get to freely see artworks by artists like Abbey Merson, Alan McLintic, Alice Berry, Michel Tuffery, and more.
McCahon House
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Location: 67 Otitori Bay Road, Titirangi, Auckland 0604, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 816 9488
Opening Hours:
- Saturday to Sunday – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
A visit to McCahon House is like peeking into the mind of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists, Colin McCahon. This is literally the place where he lived and breathed. And you get the chance to explore the very rooms where he painted and see his actual studio.
You’ll even discover works by McCahon and other Kiwi artists scattered throughout the space. Best of all, it’s a small and intimate experience with a modest suggested admission fee of $5.
