Toi Aotearoa
Explore the Gallery's permanent collection in one of the largest and most absorbing presentations of New Zealand art. Travel from the present day back to the 1600s, uncovering the creativity and cultural diversity of New Zealanders. Discover their preoccupations with identity, migration and the land.
Begin your journey among video, photography, sculpture and painting by contemporary New Zealand artists. See Michael Parekowhai's sculpture, The Indefinite Article, which - layered with meaning - was first exhibited when he was just 21.
Continue to the period 1900 to 1965 and find paintings by Colin McCahon and Rita Angus. Encounter Ralph Hotere's horizon-spanning mural, Godwit/Kuaka, which for many years greeted travellers arriving at Auckland International Airport.
Further on, discover how New Zealanders first saw themselves and their lands. Via early European impressions of the islands to Goldie and Lindauer's classic portraits of Maori and Pakeha, reach both the beginning and the end of this story of New Zealand art.
Ongoing
Ground / Level 1
Free entry
Presenting sponsor: Ernst & Young.
Image: Michael Parekowhai, The Indefinite Article, 1990
acrylic on wood, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki and Chartwell Gift Collection
Purchased with generous assistance from Jim Barr and Mary Barr, 2009
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Corner Kitchener & Wellesley Streets
Auckland Central
Member Profile
Auckland Art GalleryAuckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
History, heritage and culture are brought to life at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Founded in 1888, it remains New Zealand’s largest visual arts experience, with a collection numbering over 15,000 works. The main gallery building is now open after a comprehensive heritage restoration and expansion.
Explore a treasure trove of historic, modern and contemporary New Zealand art, as well as work by Māori and Pacific Island artists. International painting, sculpture and print collections range from 1376 to the present day.
The Gallery offers a lively calendar of talks, performances, film screenings and children's activities. Visit our website to see what’s on.
Choose from a range of free guided tours - organised group tours available by arrangement.
• Open daily 10am – 5pm (except Christmas Day)
• In the heart of Auckland City
• Wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs available free of charge
• Café and espresso bar
• Gallery shop offers quality souvenirs, books and unique art-inspired gifts
