Auckland Art Galleries

(Auckland, North Island, New Zealand NZ)

There are some excellent art galleries spread around the city of Auckland, featuring everything from historic oil paintings to impressive watercolours. With both central locations and free admission, there really is no good reason not to pay them at least a quick visit.

If you had time for just one, then the Auckland Art Gallery (Toi o Tamaki) would be the place. Standing on the corner of Kitchener Street and Wellesley Street, the Auckland Art Gallery occupies the city's former Telephone Exchange Building, being easy to spot by its tall clock tower. This venue is now home to more than 12,000 art works, with many noteworthy New Zealand artists being well represented here, such as Gretchen Albrecht, Charles Goldie, Alfred O'Keeffe and Gottfried Lindauer, amongst many others.

Auckland Art Gallery (Toi o Tamaki)

Address: Kitchener Street, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 307 7700
The Auckland Art Gallery contains an outstanding permanent collection of paintings from all over the world. Housed in a historic building with classical Victorian architecture, the gallery stands next to Albert Park and was founded as far back as 1888, remaining one of New Zealand's most important institutions of its kind. Other attractions include many temporary exhibitions, seasonal events and festivals, a café area and a well-stocked gift shop.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Anna Bibby Gallery

Address: 226 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland, 1011, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 360 1151
The Anna Bibby Gallery is a small commercial gallery in the Herne Bay area, close to the Salisbury Reserve and Bayfield Park. With regular temporary exhibitions of contemporary paintings by local New Zealand artists, the Anna Bibby is a stylish facility with a good reputation.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 11:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

Artspace

Address: 300 Karangahape Road, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 303 4965
Artspace is one of the city's most popular galleries and houses an excellent collection of art works from local artists. Featuring many temporary exhibitions and events during the year, the Artspace is located in the heart of the city centre, on Karangahape Road and just a short distance from Myers Park.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Compendium

Address: 5 Lorne Street, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 300 3212
Situated along Lorne Street, near to Queen Street and the University of English Language Academy, the Compendium specialises in local New Zealand paintings, sculptures and handicrafts, including pottery, jewellery and many unusual souvenirs.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 10:0- to 17:30, Friday - 10:00 to 19:30, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Gow Langsford Gallery

Address: 26 Lorne Street, Auckland, 1141, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 303 4290
A member of the notable New Zealand Contemporary Art Dealers Association, the Gow Langsford Gallery can be found in the centre, on Wellesley Street, and contains a wealth of stunning contemporary art works, including many paintings by famous international artists. Over the past 20 years, more than 300 successful exhibitions have been staged at the Gow Langsford, with many more planned for the future.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 11:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

Artis / Jonathan Grant Galleries

Address: 280 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 308 9125
The Jonathan Grant Galleries and the Artis Gallery share a premises on Parnell Road, where they specialise in classical paintings dating back to the 19th century, and contemporary works, respectively. Highlights at this commercial venue include many detailed landscapes, oil paintings, watercolours and elaborate textiles. Neighbouring attractions include the Alberon Reserve and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Kinder House

Address: 2 Ayr Street, Parnell, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 379 4008
Built in the mid-19th century, Kinder House is situated in the Parnell area of the city, where it is known for its Gothic architecture. Dedicated to the work of local artist John Kinder, Kinder House features two separate galleries, containing a number of inspiring paintings and photographs. Visitors will also find a host of local artefacts, postcards and booklets.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 11:00 to 15:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Lopdell House Gallery

Address: 418 Titirangi Road, Titirangi, Auckland, 1007, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 817 8087
The Lopdell House Gallery is situated on the western side of the city, next to the Titirangi War Memorial Park and close to the Bishop Park Scenic Reserve, being home to a number a separate exhibition spaces displaying a range of modern art, local craftwork and art-related exhibits. Specific attractions at Lopdell House include entertainment events, a small theatre area and a restaurant.
Admission: Free
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Masterworks Galleries

Address: 77 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland, 1011, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 378 1256
Masterworks Galleries is a popular commercial venue dedicated to promoting local New Zealand artists, with many superb local arts and crafts, including both ceramics and glassworks. The nearby Ponsonby Road Market may also be of interest, as well as the innumerable surrounding bars and restaurants.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

New Gallery

Address: Lorne Street, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 307 4540
Located in the city centre, the New Gallery contains an exceptional collection of contemporary art, sculptures and ceramics. There are also a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, which are usually well supported and interesting.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Oedipus Rex Art Gallery

Address: 32 Lorne Street, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 379 0588
The Oedipus Rex Art Gallery can be found next to Albert Park and is full of exciting modern paintings and sculptures, many of which are by local New Zealand artists. Various cinemas and theatres are close by, while the Edge Performing Arts and Convention Centre is within easy walking distance.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Monday and Saturday - 11:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

Studio of Contemporary Art

Address: 5 Kingdon Street, Newmarket, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 529 0533
With an extensive collection of modern paintings and sculptures, the Studio of Contemporary Art stands close to the Domain and Newmarket Park, where it features many exhibitions of art each year, including paintings by local New Zealand artists. The Studio of Contemporary Art is within easy reach of the city centre, being just minutes away from the Quest Newmarket apartments and the Skycity Cinemas Broadway.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

MWDI Te Taumata Art Gallery

Address: Presidential House, 124 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 358 0608
The MWDI Te Taumata Art Gallery, in the city centre, specialises in indigenous New Zealand art, including a variety of sculptures and paintings, in various mediums. Particularly notable are the contemporary Maori paintings, which tend to be large and brightly coloured.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free