Auckland Art Gallery image

Auckland Art Gallery

Tourist attraction Art gallery Art museum Arts organization

One of the Most Revieweds in Auckland


Address

Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Website

www.aucklandartgallery.com

Contact

+64 9 379 1349

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (5.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: gallery (19) exhibition (16) free (14) visit (14) Auckland (12) exhibitions (12) great (12) collection (12) time (11) nice (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Colin M. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a most wonderful destination. I have come to the Auckland Art Gallery to get away from the pollution of reality and to let art wash away all negativity. The exhibitions are diverse. Afterward sit at the Cafe - they serve up a fine selection of wine and great conversations on the verandah... and finally head to their gift shop - it is all reasons and all seasons to get something special. You can't say you've seen Auckland without seeing The Auckland Art Gallery.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aleksandra S. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place, love every segment of it. Breathtaking crystal waka by Reuben Paterson greats you at the entrance (don't miss seeing it all lit up at night!), fabulous gallery store, super kind and helpful front staff, guides to fetch, exhibitions to see...coffee shop to chill, the whole ambiance is fabulous place to relax and recharge. Compliments to all the segments. Glad to be the member and support in micro way this inspiring institution. Membership highly recommended! So many benefits, perks and discounts, well worth it!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bonnie 2 months ago on Google • 232 reviews New
    The Guo Pei exhibition was extensive and interesting. The exhibits were well laid out giving ample room to admire each piece.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Angelina S. 3 weeks ago on Google • 340 reviews New
    Nice and for free

  • 4/5 Dr Rajan E. 1 month ago on Google • 157 reviews New
    AKL Art Gallery... Just adjacent to the Albert Park is Auckland Art Gallery. Its entry is free. The staff is friendly & co-operative. The exhibits cover international, national & native Maori art works. It also has 3D & mirror image paintings.There’s plenty for all tastes and preferences. A great experience for free 😀....
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Juliya THE B. 1 year ago on Google
    Never Disappoints me love ittt alotttt
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel A. 1 year ago on Google
    My partner and I spent almost the whole day here, great collections especially the Māori specific work along with interesting LGBTQ+ segments (rainbow border) on relevant works providing deeper historical context into the artist, subject or piece as a whole. The cafe is quite nice for sandwiches coffee and outdoor seating. Great architecture throughout, and a fun gift shop.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ava R. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing art and great service. The building was clean and had a nice layout and flow between exhibitions. The exhibitions themselves are breathtaking, the 'romancing the collection' was incredibly beautiful. The clowns were a bit weird though and the food a bit over priced but that doesn't matter.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tristan F. 1 year ago on Google
    Welcoming and open space housing a thoughtful and varied collection. The highlight for me was Seeing Sovereignty, Tino Rangatiratanga from Romancing the Collection: this is a series of portraits of Māori leaders from the nineteenth century by Gottfried Lindauer and Charles F Goldie. These portraits caught me off guard - the paintings are both windows into another era, one which is so critical to the history of the nation, but also of a quality and luminosity that makes these figures feel completely present. It is a striking and awe-inspiring exhibition, and is the perfect way to begin a journey through the broader collection. Worth the trip alone. Only downside is the seasonal exhibits were paid and, taken as a whole, quite expensive.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 zafry l A. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing gallery! awesome art exhibition! great history of maori. kudos to frontline staff, Hariri who helped me a lot during my visit. Suprisingly he can speak malay bahasa!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mary B. 5 years ago on Google • 264 reviews
    Great permanent collection of NZ art, though only a small part of it is on display at any given time. There is also a pretty good collection of international historic art. They host regular exhibitions of contemporary art and some big travelling shows. Mostly it's free but they charge entry for the international features. Membership is definitely a good idea if you're local so you can go to the bug shows multiple times at no extra cost.

  • 5/5 Hemanta S. 2 months ago on Google • 114 reviews New
    Immersive and inspiring – Auckland Art Gallery is a treasure trove of creativity. The diverse collection of artworks, both classic and contemporary, is displayed in a space that invites contemplation and wonder. Each gallery offers a new perspective, making every visit a unique experience. A vibrant cultural hub that's a must-visit for art lovers and the curious alike!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gregor 4 months ago on Google • 68 reviews
    Beautiful small museum. Mix of NZ and European art, contemporary and not so contemporary. Free entry, nice cafe. Stroll into Albert Park which is right behind the museum and a good place to sit in the sun (if there is any) and relax a bit after your visit to the museum
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Liz G. 3 months ago on Google • 58 reviews New
    Beautiful open space, great collection gallery and enjoyed the visiting costume exhibition however found the cafe shutting an hour earlier than the gallery (and food stopping an hour before that, and cash acceptance) a bit frustrating. Consistent closing across the whole space and services would be desirable. Loved the children's active gallery space too it was equal parts engaging and fun
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abigail J. 3 months ago on Google • 171 reviews New
    Exceptional as always. Events here are so well done. Gift shop is devine. Staff are friendly and helpful. The venue is stunning. Can't wait to be back again soon

  • 5/5 Anne F. 2 months ago on Google • 163 reviews New
    Despite the fact parts of the gallery were closed for renovations when we visited, it was still well worth the trip. The collection the gallery houses is impressive to say the least and makes it a must-see for any art lover.

  • 5/5 Svetlana P. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice cultural space. We were delighted with the incredible exhibition of Orthodox icons. Rare masterpieces from 15-19 centuries. Thank you to curators!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christiane C. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing Sunday morning at the gallery visiting the "Manpower" & "5 rooms" exhibition. Two very worthy exhibitions in their own right.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon L. 9 months ago on Google
    I recently visited the Auckland Art Gallery and was blown away by its diverse and captivating collection. The museum's stunning architecture complemented the impressive array of artworks, spanning from traditional to contemporary. The knowledgeable staff and well-curated exhibits made for a truly enriching experience. A must-visit for art enthusiasts!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jackie W. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to Mary Quant ... we had lunch at the Cafe there. Nice food and friendly service.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 M L. 8 months ago on Google
    Art gallery in Auckland 3 levels nice outdoor area on top level. Staff are very helpful, I was carrying my water bottle, unaware that this is not allowed. The staff members offered to take it to the front counter where I could pick it up on departure. Beautiful work to look at on all levels.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Niiza S. 1 year ago on Google
    it's enjoyable for short visit as this gallery size is normal i guess. not much art to see, but it's worth the time for free entrance. No ticket is required. Me and my friend enjoy our walk moments here. if you like to watch the show Light at Tate? the entrance fee is Nzd26.50.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Win Some F. 4 months ago on Google
    A blend of local and international art collection. Relaxing cafe. Free entry. Worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Toby L. 11 months ago on Google
    Loved the Light from Tate exhibit. Brilliant curation of artists over several hundred years with different approaches to studying light and shadow in different mediums. Special exhibits have an entry fee, but the rest of the museum collection is free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica E. 2 months ago on Google • 117 reviews New
    A really lovely gallery. My only criticism is that the cafe overlooks the street rather than the park at the back. It does mean (at the time of our visit) the terrace at the back was fairly quiet and you could hear the birds sing in the trees. A daft comment would also be, that if you want to sit on the terrace seating, don't wear shorts, or have something to sit on... They're not really made for naked summer legs! 😂 We paid to see the Guo Pei exhibition which was beautifully laid out with plenty of room between exhibits. The shop is also really nice with some lovely souvenirs of NZ and the exhibitions for both the out of towners and the locals.

  • 5/5 Nick B. 1 month ago on Google • 53 reviews New
    Had a great time at the Auckland Art Gallery! The staff were friendly and the exhibits very interesting. There’s plenty for all tastes and preferences. Things to know: entrance is free, however if you want to see special exhibitions you’ll need to pay a ticket.

  • 5/5 Leigh S. 3 weeks ago on Google • 46 reviews New
    Currently offering free entry for international visitors. Great way to spend a couple of hours

  • 5/5 Mark M. 3 weeks ago on Google • 44 reviews New
    It had a mix of traditional New Zealand art, classical western art, and modern western art. Entry is free

  • 3/5 Romain B. 1 month ago on Google • 40 reviews New
    A few Monet, Dali, Picasso... This is a tiny museum but a nice one. Not very fan of the scenography (the rooms are quite small and you have to go back on your tracks to go out which to me is weird) but the fact that the permanent collections are free even for foreigners is a great. Though more contemporary art by New Zealander artists would be appreciated.

  • 4/5 Jenny L. 4 months ago on Google
    Arrived at opening time no wait. Had a cloak room so we could leave our back pack and umbrella with the Attendant. It's free. Good to not cart extra gear around unnecessarily. Toilets clean. Not much of an Art lover but there was definitely something for everyone.

  • 5/5 Nik K. 2 years ago on Google
    Checked out the Mary Quant exhibition. Brilliant. Beautiful art gallery. And cafe there was a wonderful bonus afterwards

  • 5/5 Elli K. 3 months ago on Google New
    Näyttelyt olivat upeita ja vielä ilmaisia. Uusia maksullisia näyttelyitä koottiin. Kahvilassa herkullista kakkua 🌹

  • 4/5 Dylan K. 3 weeks ago on Google • 29 reviews New
    Always good to see new exhibitions on display. I quite like the pop up booth where you can do some quick doodles.

  • 5/5 Mike C. 2 years ago on Google
    A must see in Auckland. The team are so friendly. Make sure you visit the shop before leaving - The team is so passionate and knowledgeable and I was delighted to discover how much of the products on offer were from Kiwi artists and super impressed at how they commission unique art and gifts to align with the gallery exhibitions and displays. (The current Mary Quant exhibition has awesome pottery inspired by her designs!)

  • 3/5 Jean L. 1 year ago on Google
    Well.. it was a bit disappointing for their collections but worth to visit if you are interested in art. Pros : For free except a paid exhibition. Beautiful architecture. Cons : The art collections was okay. Some descriptions are completely wrong.

  • 5/5 Alan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Been a long time between visits but mad a special trip yesterday and was still a great place to visit. Especially the small collection of pottery Keep up the good work.

  • 5/5 MK T. 2 years ago on Google
    Cute place, lots of things on display! I love the diversity in the art. Good place to visit 💜

  • 5/5 Wai S. 2 years ago on Google
    It’s an oasis to relax inside especially with all the building work that is happening in Auckland CBD right now! Love the Mary Quant exhibition, so surprised to see all those beautiful dolls were once made in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 (a rarity nowadays) The cafe is a nice stopover before heading to the gift shop, quality products stocked. Have a wonderful afternoon during my visit early January!!

  • 5/5 J. A. C. 2 years ago on Google
    Thrilling to see this amazing exhibition here. Great layout, plenty of variety in styles & informative multimedia. (Exciting even if you didn't live/flaunt during those heady 60s times!) Felt safe during covid as well spaced with positive vibes. GO!

  • 5/5 Julie-Anne O. 2 years ago on Google
    I absolutely loved the Mary Quant exhibition. It was brilliant. Auckland Art Gallery is clean and there are loads of friendly staff to chat to about the work on show and to help if you take a wrong detour or two. Like I did! All the art work and the two installations I saw were well worth a look too. It's a terrific way to spend a few hours in this amazing City.

  • 5/5 Irina K. 1 year ago on Google
    I have not been for few years and enjoyed the remodelled set up. Some areas felt like you may get lost , but as long as you follow the exit signs - you are fine . All exhibitions are well presented. The gift shop has a lot of interesting options, something for everyone.

  • 5/5 Yulia T. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved the experience. Beautiful building surrounded by stunning trees. The art collection was enough to inspire without being overwhelming. Currently one of the levels was under construction as they install the Frida exhibition. Shame I missed it this time around.

  • 5/5 Megan B. 1 year ago on Google
    Spent a rainy afternoon exploring the eclectic collections on display. Was very impressed by the variety of mediums, eras, and diverse creators on display in the beautifully designed building. While everyone raves about the natural beauty of New Zealand, if you find yourself in the city of Auckland, this world-class art museum is a “must see”.

  • 2/5 Hernan R. 6 months ago on Google
    Really nice place to study or chill out close to the park. Although it was very annoying when they started to close the space, making noise and blocking the way out 30 mins before close time. Wait until close time and make all the noise you want, but not during business time, please :)

  • 5/5 Adam J. 1 year ago on Google
    Free entry, Some great pieces to look at and displays. You could spend hours there if you were to individually go through each piece. Wether you're an arty person or not it's definitely worth a visit (and if you are hey great! You're going to love it!)

  • 5/5 Carla G. 1 year ago on Google
    I visited this gallery and it was wonderful. The staff were helpful and the building itself is air conditioned and very clean. Sadly there were no vegan options for food in the cafe but it is well worth a visit. The Frida and Diego exhibition was breathtaking and my photos do not do it justice.

  • 5/5 K T. 9 months ago on Google
    Free entry to enter this gallery. There was also another exhibition happening, but cost money to get inside. Recommend to come here if you don’t have any plans, and just want to walk around looking at nice artwork.

  • 5/5 Maria Di C. 8 months ago on Google
    The Gallery has a nice atmosphere and customer service is great. At the moment entry is free. There is a cafe and a restaurant in case you get hungry (but I haven't tried them). First floor is temporarily closed. I really enjoyed walking around.

  • 4/5 Kaiger N. 9 months ago on Google
    A lovely place to visit if you enjoy art. However I thought somethings in the gallery was a bit odd, Luke the plastic chain and just the colour blue. Over all it is worth going to.

  • 5/5 Nuzy Z. 7 months ago on Google
    We were actually allowed to walk in the gallery for free. Place is under renovation but still loads to see. Not an art person but was quite intrigued at some of the work. The architecture is a blend of both old and contemporary and it was beautiful.

  • 5/5 Jennifer Patricia C. 7 months ago on Google
    Very good place to spend a few hours. I loved all of the exhibitions, in particular the Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia. It hits hard, and it gets the point.

  • 5/5 Tan Qi Y. 7 months ago on Google
    Awesome gallery in NZ, Very surprised to see such a huge section allocated and focused on aboriginal of both nz and aus with even mentions of palm island in one of the sect. Very well info on each of the art, explaning significance of each and every pieces which i spent most time on as each story was very interesting and very well complement the art exhibited


Call +64 9 379 1349 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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