Wellington Art Galleries

(Wellington, North Island, New Zealand NZ)



City viewThe best art galleries in Wellington have become quite an attraction in their own right, with a number being concentrated around Cuba Street and the upper end of Willis Street.

One of the main galleries in Wellington is the City Gallery on Civic Square, which houses many impressive paintings and works of art and was established in the 1930s. Also notable in the city is the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts on Queens Wharf, which actively encourages local up-and-coming artists. Part of the Victoria University of Wellington, the Adam Art Gallery too deserves a mention and was founded in 1997 following a sizeable donation, today staging not only exhibitions, but also lectures, talks and a variety of performances.



Photo of the City Gallery

City Gallery

Address: Civic Square, 101 Wakefield Street, Wellington, North Island, 6001, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 801 3021
Located in central Civic Square and just a short walk from the Frank Kitts Park, the City Gallery is one of the island's premier galleries and contains a wealth of important paintings, sculptures and other works of art. Particular highlights include regular temporary exhibitions, lectures, seasonal events and a popular café area, serving basic refreshments. Close by you will find both the City Libraries and the Visitor Information Centre.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free, charge for some temporary art exhibitions

Picture of the National Library

National Library Gallery

Address: 70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington, North Island, 6011, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 474 3000
The National Library Gallery is situated within the Thorndon district, just off Aitken Street, where it is a part of the actual library. With an important collection of photographs, prints, sketches and paintings, the National Library Gallery also displays a number of historic collections and New Zealand artefacts. Those visiting the National Gallery may also like to check out the nearby Parliament Buildings and St. Paul's Cathedral.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 08:30 to 17:00
Admission: free

New Zealand Portrait Gallery

Address: 11 Customhouse Quay, Wellington, North Island, 6011, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 472 2298
Located in the Lambton Quay area, the New Zealand Portrait Gallery features numerous outstanding portraits and other paintings, in various mediums. With some truly outstanding sculptures, prints and drawings, the New Zealand Portrait Gallery is a national organisation and hosts many curated exhibitions throughout the year, which are often staged at Shed 11, next to the waterfront.
Open hours: daily - 10:30 to 16:30
Admission: free

Image of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts

New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts

Address: 1 Queens Wharf, Wellington, North Island, 6001, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 499 8807
The New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts has gained quite a reputation, since opening in 1893 on Whitmore Street. Now situated within the Wharf Offices on Queens Wharf, the Academy of Fine Arts enjoys spacious surroundings and has the Governor General of New Zealand as its patron.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Adam Art Gallery

Address: Victoria University of Wellington, 1 Kelburn Parade, Wellington, North Island, 6005, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 463 5489
The Adam Art Gallery is part of the University of Victoria campus and resides on the western side of the city. With many temporary art exhibitions all year round, particular highlights here include social events, lectures and imposing contemporary sculptures.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Bowen Art Gallery

Address: 39 Ghuznee Street, Wellington, North Island, 6011, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 381 0351
The Bowen Art Gallery off Cuba Street, has a variety of commercial art works are for sale. Expect to find large and colourful canvasses, stylish photographs and contemporary sculptures, with both affordable and pricey pieces by local artists such as Stephen Allwood, Alison Clouston, Leon van den Eijkel, Sam Duckor-Jones, Colin Luxton, Chris O'Doherty, Kim Pieters and Ans Westra, amongst others.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:30, Saturday - 10:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

Dowse Art Museum

Address: 45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt, Wellington, 6009, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)4 570 6500
The Dowse Art Museum is regarded as one of New Zealand's best venues for exhibiting all kinds of contemporary craft works, paintings, ceramics, furniture and sculptures, and is situated in the Hutt Valley area, on the outskirts of the city and part-way between the Hutt Golf Course and the Shandon Golf Course. With a number of large dedicated galleries, vast exhibition spaces and a café serving refreshments, the Dowse Art Museum holds over 20 large exhibitions each year, covering a variety of different art works, styles and mediums.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Other art galleries worth a visit in the capital city of Wellington include: