Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki

Auckland Art Gallery – the building is an art statement

The delicious confection of French Chateau architecture, created by Melbourne architects John Grainger and Charles A D’Ebro delivered the original building in 1887. The heritage rating of category I is the mark of respect for gallery and its role in the civic life of Auckland. A substantial expansion witnessed the Macelvie Gallery expand the collections’ footprint.

Yet the space needed to grow to reflect the growing importance of art and heritage in Auckland. The 21st century bestowed a stunning contemporary architectural style wrapped around the heritage elements and open to the views of Albert Park (once a fortified Maori village, pa site).

icon

TIP

Before you enter the gallery look carefully at the art installations embedded into the building fabric.

We commissioned three Māori artists to create artworks for permanent display in our gallery. These commissions form part of the fabric of the building, linking it to the outside world and acting as threshold markers inside.

Waka huia are treasure boxes. Fred Graham’s stone waka huia signifies the Gallery’s role as keeper of Auckland’s art treasures. The large puke or hill below the waka huia represents Rangipuke, the original Māori pā (fortified village) on Albert Park. The wave-like forms recall the local streams Te Wai o Horotiu and Waiariki.

Auckland Art Gallery exhibit using Albert Park to showcase the exhibt's message, Auckland, New Zealand

@Auckland Art Gallery

Arnold Manaaki Wilson, Anthony Wilson: He Aha Te Wa – Moments in Time, 2010

The three columns symbolise Ranginui (sky father), Papatūānuku (earth mother) and Tāne Mahuta (forest god). The carvings represent ruru or giant owls which welcome visitors into the Gallery and act as kaitiaki or guardians. The honey coloured wood is kauri, a symbol of forested Aoteoaroa New Zealand.

And when inside the building you will observe …

Lonnie Hutchinson: Kia Ita, Tupu Te Maramatanga, Te Taumata and Nau Ka Toro, Ka Toro, 2011

The thresholds on each of the Gallery’s four levels signal entry into the exhibition spaces and invite contemplation of the artworks on display. Based on traditional kōwhaiwhai (rafter painting) and elements from nature, the patterns rise up through the building like branches, uniting the old with new.

Source Auckland Art Gallery

@aucklandartgallery

Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki collections

Dynamic revolving guest collections as well as a permanent collection are the basis of the Auckland Art Gallery, Toi O Tamaki collection. World renowned Aotearoa New Zealand artists from Charles Goldie, Ralph Hotere and Colin McCahon have permanent places in the public display area.

Auckland Art Gallery holds a large and significant permanent collection of New Zealand art. Alongside historic, modern and contemporary New Zealand art, the gallery is a repository for Maori and Pacific artists. There is a collection of international art works, sculpture and objects ranging from 11th century to the present. The gallery has documented over 17,500 works in the collection.

Gift shop

Exhibitions offer visitors a chance to purchase a souvenir of their visit as well as there is an extensive collection of made in England art and craft objects.

Events, venues and membership

Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki has an online gallery which provides visitors a taste of what is on offer as well as guest exhibitions.

Getting there

Location

Cnr Kitchener and Wellesley Streets

Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

View Google Map

@aucklandartgallery

Public transport

The Auckland Art Gallery is just off Queen Street in Auckland’s CBD – and a quick 15-minute walk from Britomart Transport Centre and the Ferry Building. Ride up Queen Street on the City LINK bus or jump on the Outer LINK bus to travel to the Gallery along Wellesley Street. AT Mobile is a useful app from Auckland Transport that helps plan, save and track journeys across Auckland’s public transport network.

Auckland Transport offers FREE child weekend fares (children aged 5–15 with a registered HOP card). For more information click here.

Taxi or Tour Bus

Taxis can pick up and drop off from the loading bays on Kitchener Street. An alternative option is to experience the Auckland Explorer bus, which you can hop on and off and stops at The Civic nearby every thirty minutes.

Car or bike

If you are arriving by car, our closest public parking space is Auckland Transport’s Victoria Street East car park.

If you are arriving by bike, you’ll find bike racks directly opposite the Gallery’s main entrance on Kitchener Street.

Source Auckland Art Gallery.

The Gallery runs one hour tours daily (except Xmas Day) at 11.30am and 1.30pm at a very reasonable charge of $10.

Find out more about the Auckland Art Gallery here.

@aucklandartgallery

Wheelchair accessible

ADMISSION – FREE (conditions apply)

Gallery entry

New Zealand residents – FREE
International visitors – FREE (international admission charges are suspended until further notice)
Members – FREE (including all paid exhibitions with a valid Members card) – Become a Member
Children 12 & under – FREE (all children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult)

Charges may apply to special exhibitions

Check Auckland Art Gallery for up to date information.

BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.

Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE.

Art & Heritage

Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki

Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki

Auckland Art Gallery – the building is an art statement

Arnold Manaaki Wilson, Anthony Wilson: He Aha Te Wa – Moments in Time, 2010