Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland (2024) - Images, Timings

Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Overview

First established in 1888, the Auckland Art Gallery, or Toi o Tamaki, known to the Maori community, was the first permanent art gallery in New Zealand. It is known for its large body of national and international art exhibits. Set in the heart of central Auckland, bound by Albert Park, Auckland Art Gallery is only a two-minute walk from major bus stations in downtown Auckland and is easily accessible. Four floors house more than 15,000 works of art ranging from native Maori traditional paintings to 19th-century landscapes of old European masters to contemporary works of New Zealand’s artists and everything in between.

One of Auckland's prime tourist attractions, the Auckland Art Gallery, or Toi o Tamaki came up after it was desperately felt that Auckland needed an art gallery. It hosts several international exhibitions throughout the year. Since its inception, a vast part of its collection has been through donations and bequests by businessmen, noblemen and government officials. Today, the extensive collection includes works from European as well as artists of the Pacific region dating back to the medieval ages. Many of the international artworks came due to donations from European individuals. In contrast, New Zealand artists such as Albert Henry O'Keeffe, Gretchen Albrecht, C.F. Goldie, and many others are well represented.

The Auckland Art Gallery was recently renovated extensively at more than NZD 100 million. The newly renovated Auckland Art Gallery was awarded the World Building of the Year award at the World Architecture Festival. Towering columns of the native Kauri tree greet visitors as they walk into the establishment.

Auckland Art Gallery Timings

The Auckland Art Gallery is open from 10 AM - 5 PM daily, however individual art exhibitions within the Auckland Art Gallery may have specific timings. It is open every day except Christmas Day.

Tickets

New Zealand citizens enter free of cost, provided valid ID proof is shown

Members and guests of members enter free of charge

Children (below 12 years of age) enter free of cost (must be accompanied by an adult)

International adult tickets cost NZD 20

International seniors (above 65 years of age) tickets cost NZD 17

International student tickets cost NZD 17

Time Required

The Auckland Art Gallery’s extensive collection of international and European artwork is a result of donations made to the gallery by private individuals. Over 15,000 works of art reside in the four-storied building, and one should be prepared to spend an hour or two to experience the artwork of the Gallery thoroughly. Set aside some more time to visit the cafes and stroll through the wide open areas to truly understand the appeal of Toi o Tamaki. A gamut of cafes and outdoor arrangements ensure that the art in the gallery will not be the only attractions for visitors.

Exhibitions

Gallery Hall inside Auckland Art Gallery — Source

New Zealand’s largest permanent art institution regularly hosts international travelling exhibitions every year. Upcoming exhibitions in 2019 include the highly-anticipated Pacific Dance Festival 2019, Frances Hodgkins: European Journey, and Living Portraits: Mata Raurangi, amongst others. Please note that entry to specific exhibitions may be ticketed additionally on top of regular art gallery admissions.

History of Auckland Art Gallery

In the late 19th century, there was a collective belief that Auckland deserved a municipal art collection. As a result of the generous donations of bodies of art and resources from private benefactors, funds were made available to establish the Auckland Gallery and Library. The Auckland Art Gallery and the Public Library were subsequently separated and made into individual establishments. The Art Gallery went through an extensive renovation programme at the cost of more than NZD 100 million during 2011, and the newly-renovated building opened in September.

Tips for Visitors

As the building closes at 5 PM, visitors will be asked to make their way to collect their bags from the entrance 15 minutes prior. Free guided tours in both English and Mandarin are available for visitors that want a truly comprehensive understanding of the Auckland Art Gallery itself and the art that it houses.

How To Reach Auckland Art Gallery

The Auckland Art Gallery, located at Wellesley St E | Corner Kitchener, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand, is a stone’s throw away from Queen’s Street in Auckland’s CBD. It is also a short walk away from the Britomart Transport Centre and Ferry Building. The Auckland Explorer tour bus leaves from the nearby Civic Theatre at half-hour intervals and is a viable option. Taxis can be taken up right onto the loading bays on Kitchener Street, but the hop-on-hop-off Auckland Explorer Bus is an experience by itself.