Auckland Art Gallery

The Auckland Art Gallery (Māori: Toi o Tāmaki) is New Zealand's largest and oldest art gallery. The museum, which houses a collection of more than 15,000 works spanning from the 12th century to the present day, enjoys international renown.

Alongside historical, modern and contemporary New Zealand art as well as outstanding works by Māori and Pacific Island artists, the gallery also displays paintings, sculptures and prints by international artists. Visitors encounter works by Goldie, Lindauer, Hodgkins, Angus, McCahon, Bruegel, Reni and Fuseli, among others. Several pieces by leading European artists such as Dalí, Picasso and Matisse can also be admired at the Auckland Art Gallery. Among the most eye-catching exhibits is the "Flower Chandelier" by Choi Jeong Hwa. The enormous installation on the ceiling in the main entrance is dominated by blooms that open and close, creating the impression of flowers in full blossom. In recent years, the gallery has increasingly hosted touring exhibitions such as "Degas to Dalí", "Henry Fuseli: Dark Chambers of the Mind" and "Who Shot Rock and Roll".

Beyond the exhibitions, the Auckland Art Gallery also hosts numerous discussion panels and artistic performances. Special educational programmes for children and families are available as well. Those who wish can explore the gallery's collections on free guided tours. These take place twice daily (at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm) and last up to an hour. The volunteer guides explain the artworks and the stories behind their creation, and share insights about the artists and the Auckland Art Gallery itself.

The Auckland Art Gallery first opened its doors in February 1888, originally as a combined art gallery and public library. This was made possible by donations and funding from the former Governor of New Zealand, Sir George Grey. The building in the French château style was designed by Melbourne architects Grainger and D'Ebro. Since its construction in 1887, a number of structural alterations have been made to the complex, largely necessitated by the rapid growth of the collection. From 1995 to 2011, the New Gallery on the opposite side of the street housed numerous contemporary exhibits. After a total of nine years of planning and construction, the art gallery's new main building was inaugurated in September 2011. Since its reopening, the museum building has won numerous architecture and design awards.

By car

Auckland is most easily reached from the south or north via SH1. From the northwest, SH16 also leads into the city. The Auckland Art Gallery is located in the city centre on the edge of Albert Park. Parking is available on Kitchener Street, Victoria Street and at The Civic. At weekends and on weekdays from 6 pm, museum visitors can park free of charge for one hour at the Victoria Street car park.

By public transport

You can use the hop-on hop-off buses to reach the gallery. The nearest stop is at the Civic Theatre. The City LINK and Outer LINK buses also take you to the Art Gallery (Wellesley Street stop).