Art Galleries
Here are seven of the best art galleries in New Zealand. New Zealand is home to a collection of big galleries that seek to put on fresh, innovative, modern exhibitions to be enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery (New Plymouth)
The gallery hosts constantly changing and always interesting summer and winter exhibitions of contemporary art from the 1970s onwards. Its only permanent collection is that of the works of internationally respected Kiwi sculptor, concept artist and filmmaker Len Lye. His 45m high "Wind Wand" found on the New Plymouth foreshore is a famous example of his kinetic sculptures.
The City of Napier
In many ways Napier itself is a large Art Deco gallery, stuffed full of buildings, designs and artefacts of the Art Deco period. The best way to see if is on a self-guided tour, starting at the Art Deco shop where you can pick up a map showing all the key works. Also, the Hawke's Bay museum has excellent material on designs from Art Nouveau, Art Deco and beyond.
World of Wearable Art (Nelson)
This gallery in Nelson is home to a whole range of bizarre yet spellbinding garments, displayed in its small hi-tech galleries, and for many a visit is an unforgettable experience. Its iconic Annual Wearable Art Awards, where "art meets fashion and dance", are held to international acclaim in Wellington.
Auckland Art Gallery
Auckland Art Gallery houses the world's most important collection of Kiwi art and some 14,000 works in total. On display are works of the artists on James Cook's early expeditions together with those of New Zealand's most well-known artists such as Gottfried Lindauer & Charles Goldie.
Dunedin Public Art Gallery
Established in Dunedin in 1884 and home to a fine collection of European art including Monet, Turner, Gainsborough and Tisot. A good collection of Japanese prints and many pieces of New Zealand art from 1860, all held in a bright, airy building with impressive ironworks, including a 100-year old spiral staircase.
Christchurch Art Gallery
Opened in 2003 this spacious modern gallery includes educational activity areas, an auditorium, a café and wine bar and a Sculpture Garden. It is aiming to build an international reputation for innovation and high quality displays, which include paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, glass, metalwork and photography. Located in central Christchurch.
The Sarjeant Gallery (Wanganui)
The Sarjeant Gallery in Wanganui is home to 6,000 works of New Zealand and international art, with a contemporary focus on New Zealand photography. It is housed in a magnificent neo-classical building on the hill in Queens Park.