Whether you'd love to spend your weekend gazing at art-adorned walls with a quizzical look on your face thinking ‘what the heck is that!?’ or simply elevate your mind by marvelling at stunning artwork then we have found the best places for you.
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is filled with galleries of talented local and international artists that will give you all the cultured feels, feed your mind and provide that life inspo you’ve been so desperately craving.
So without further ado, here is where to find the best art galleries Auckland has to offer.
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Jump to:
- Best Contemporary Art Galleries In Auckland
- Best Art Galleries In Auckland CBD
- Best Small Art Galleries In Auckland
- Best Art Galleries Outside Auckland CBD
Best Contemporary Art Galleries In Auckland
Sumer
27 Beach Road, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Sumer | Website
Marvel over contemporary works from Oceania and beyond at this new-ish addition to the Auckland art scene that began life in Tauranga, before making the trip north to Tāmaki in 2023. Championing renowned AND emerging and outlying artists, this space places a focus on experimentation, diversity and inclusivity, supporting practices that extend peoples' understanding and appreciation of contemporary art and ideas. As such, you can expect art in all its shapes and forms (painting, sculpture, photography—even performance) across approximately 10 exhibitions a year, the current one being 'Arch' by Vienna-based Martyn Reynolds. As a commercial gallery, you can also purchase any of the artworks you see on display—now where's that wallet?
Need-to-know: Free entry
Parnell Gallery
263 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
You'll find some of the best contemporary art Auckland has to offer at Parnell Gallery, which has been operating since 1976. It is perfectly placed to exhibit both art and Auckland’s fabulous scenery. Overlooking the city, with Rangitoto in the distance and art on every wall, you can’t help but feel inspired. The gallery holds monthly shows in their dedicated exhibition space centring on paintings, sculptures and prints from predominantly NZ artists. Dick Frizzell, Otis Frizzell, Shane Hansen and Gretchen Albrecht are just a few of the big names that have been displayed here. After rewarding your eyes, reward your stomach with something from one of the area's many incredible restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Need-to-know: Free entry
Gus Fisher Gallery
74 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Gus Fisher Gallery | Instagram
The Gus Fisher Gallery sits inside a beautiful historical building from 1934, formerly the home of Radio 1YA and TVNZ. The contemporary art gallery’s curatorial themes reflect the building’s history by focusing on current media and urban culture. The curatorial style is bold, dynamic, and built to foster a real, intimate exchange between the viewer and the artist. As the University of Auckland’s flagship art space, Gus Fisher also regularly supports and showcases work from rising young artists and university art students.
Need-to-know: Free entry
The Arts House Trust
Inside Pah Homestead, 72 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, Auckland
Image credit: The Arts House Trust | Website
A beautiful Italianate historic building (which has been used in the Narnia movies, amongst other things), Pah Homestead is the perfect spot to house The Arts House Trust. Stroll through the sculpture garden, peruse the paintings and explore the exhibitions curated by the James Wallace Trust Collection. Check out Hill House Cafe (the home of Auckland's most famous cinnamon buns and some of its best breakfasts) to tantalise your taste buds as you enchant your mind. The collection includes over 9,300 works by New Zealand contemporary artists. Today, the gallery continues to expand its collection by supporting new and emerging artists.
Need-to-know: Entry is by koha
Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery
420 Titirangi Road, Titirangi, Auckland
Image credit: Te Uru | Instagram
Te Uru sits in the Lopdell Precinct in the bushy locale of Titirangi. Strongly associated with the community, Te Uru alludes to a westward wind that carries the message and vision of the community. The exhibitions and collections are curated to push for change. Te Uru continues to challenge and change, showcasing contemporary art and design while keeping close to heart its original values of manaakitanga, innovation, collaboration, responsiveness, inclusiveness, and sustainability.
Need-to-know: Free entry
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Turua Contemporary Gallery
10A Turua Street, St Heliers, Auckland
Image credit: Turua Contemporary Gallery | Instagram
One of the newer kids on our list of the best art galleries in Auckland, Turua Contemporary Gallery opened in 2019—the first gallery in the area for 30 years. The light-filled Turua gallery currently holds about five to six exhibitions a year which are a mix of solo and group shows, with relaxed and informal opening nights that are often bursting at the seams. In between these, they show a wide selection of many of their artists. Their website is great for browsing their latest pieces and you can even order online. This is an inclusive place for anyone with a love of art and with ex-design agency owners Melissa and Dean at the helm, you're sure to find a piece you love.
Need-to-know: Free entry
Best Art Galleries In Auckland CBD
Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki
Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki | Kathryn Steane
It’s a no-brainer that our list kicks off with the Auckland Art Gallery. Founded in 1888, it is the most well-known, and for good reason. The CBD space is a fusion of historical and contemporary, expressed even in its architecture—two buildings combine the old and the new. With 16,000 pieces from the 11th century to today, Auckland Art Gallery showcases works that you won’t see anywhere else. With this much art you’ll have to make a day of it, so grab a bite at the café and make your way through the centuries. While they have permanent exhibitions, they often have top international exhibitions visiting our shores (aka some of the best art exhibitions Auckland has), so keep an eye on their website to keep up to date. Oh, and did we mention that they also offer free live drawing classes on Fridays (get in early to snag a spot) AND weekly yoga sessions? Auckland art galleries don't come bigger or better than this.
Need-to-know: Free entry for NZ residents | Open every day except Christmas
Gow Langsford Gallery
28-36 Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD & 4 Princes Street, Onehunga, Auckland
Image credit: Gow Langsford Gallery | Instagram
The contemporary art gallery Gow Langsford Gallery has made a name for itself despite being right across the road from Auckland’s largest art gallery (sidenote: they now also have a second space in Onehunga). Their two gallery spaces—one on Lorne Street and one on Kitchener Street—allow enough space for each artist to showcase a range of their works. Focusing in-depth on individual artists, the gallery provides detailed guides and artist statements. Committed to fostering contemporary art, Gow Langsford has hosted some of New Zealand’s—and the world’s—most acclaimed artists. This includes the likes of Dick Frizzell, Max Gimblett, Judy Millar, pop artist Andy Warhol and the man so famous that you only need to mention his last name—Picasso.
Need-to-know: Free entry
Silo 6
Corner Beaumont Street & Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Silo Park | Website
There is no other art venue in the city that is quite like Silo 6, which sits on the stunning Viaduct waterfront. True to its name, the exhibition space is literally situated in a large cluster of silos, which were once used to hold cement for the old railway system. Mirroring its nonconformist exterior, the inclusive exhibition space regularly hosts artists, performers, and events that are designed to stimulate in a bold and radical fashion. Follow up with a feed at one of the Viaduct's many fab eateries, if you fancy.
Best Small Art Galleries In Auckland
Melanie Roger Gallery
444 Karangahape Road, Auckland
Image credit: Melanie Roger Gallery | Facebook
Sitting on K’ Road, the centre of Auckland’s vibrant hub of creativity and arts is the Melanie Roger Gallery. Enjoy the works of New Zealand’s established artists and encounter emerging talents. Concentrating on contemporary art from New Zealand and abroad, Melanie Rogers Gallery has showcased names such as Billy Apple, Tame Iti, Stanley Palmer, Henrietta Harris, and many more. They change up their exhibition every month. Keep an eye on their website for a continuous feed of the country’s most exciting artists.
Artspace Aotearoa
292 Karangahape Road, Auckland
Image credit: Artspace Aotearoa | Instagram
Artspace Aotearoa is a gallery that challenges your perception of art and the world. It is a forward-thinking kind of space: bringing together contemporary art, curatorial activism, and critical thinking. The gallery aims to challenge societal norms, present new ideas, stimulate debates, and take risks. They also hold free talks covering topics such as social context, institutional programming, creative commons, and audience development. It is a gallery that is intimately aligned with Aotearoa’s ever-changing culture and social norms. Come and stroll through their gallery space to rethink and reconnect with the land you inhabit.
Need-to-know: Free entry
Best Art Galleries Outside Auckland CBD
Sculptureum
40 Omaha Flats Road, Matakana, Auckland
Image: Sculptureum | Kathryn Steane
The well-loved Sculptureum serves up a unique experience for both locals and tourists alike. Here, you’ll find the works of Picasso and Monet as well as many pieces from New Zealand’s finest creatives. There are six indoor art galleries, each with a different theme: glass, figurative, recycled materials, animals, modern abstract works, and finally a huge glass chandelier by the famous American artist Dale Chihuly. The gallery also offers a stimulating culinary experience with its Rothko restaurant and bar. It’s a destination worth dedicating a full day to and definitely one of the top cultural attractions Auckland has to offer.
Need-to-know: Open every day except Christmas
Corban Estate Arts Centre
2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson, Auckland
Image credit: Corban Estate Arts Centre | Instagram
Apart from offering ever-changing exhibitions in their three gallery spaces, Corban Estate Arts Centre also has studios for residential artists, adult art classes, a café, and artists’ studios. Beautifully nestled within the winery vines of the old Corban Estate, once the largest vineyard in the country, the gallery boasts a rich history and a rare, secluded peacefulness as a result of its distance from the city centre. Constructed in a farm-like setting, the Arts Centre truly feels like an intimate family space for the art-makers as well as art lovers.
Need-to-know: Free entry
Brick Bay
17 Arabella Lane, Snells Beach, Auckland
Image credit: Brick Bay | Kathryn Steane
Brick Bay isn't your average art gallery—in fact, the pieces here won't be found hanging on walls but instead, nestled amongst nature, making this one of the most unique art spaces Auckland has to offer. Grab a coffee from the kiosk upon entry then wander this tranquil, 2km sculpture trail as it winds around lakes, through bush, and over rolling pastures, taking in approximately 70 contemporary works from Kiwi artists including giant knucklebones, dinosaurs, and a Roman-style head laid to rest in a field as you go. This is a particularly great spot for children (who can keep busy with a comprehensive scavenger hunt, complete with marshmallow reward at the end). The onsite restaurant, built over a water-lily adorned lake, is a gorgeous spot to grab a drink and a bite to eat once you're done. This is undoubtedly one of the best art galleries Auckland has (albeit outdoors).
And finally, if you want to do a little art scavenging of your own, there are more than 400 public artworks in the Auckland Council Art Collection. Luckily the good folks in the Public Art department have put together this guide so you can hunt down Tāmaki Makaurau’s best public artworks and revel in each piece’s unique story.
Need-to-know: Free entry for under 5's, plus kids often receive free entry during the school holidays
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Main image credit: Auckland Art Gallery by ATEED
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