Auckland Art Gallery first opened its doors to the public in 1888 and remains New Zealand’s largest institution dedicated to art. The permanent collection at Auckland’s art museum includes over 12,500 works ranging from historic, modern and contemporary art by Maori artists, New Zealanders and Europeans. Each year Auckland Art Gallery hosts a number of exhibitions featuring both indigenous artists and work from abroad. Visitors are often invited to take part in programmes designed to enhance their understanding of art on display, as well as their appreciation of art in general.
The Auckland Art Gallery is open daily between 10am and 5pm, though the gallery is closed on both Christmas Day and Good Friday. Visitors interested in the gallery’s standing exhibitions are admitted free of charge, though a small charge may be made for special exhibitions – children five and under are always admitted for free. The gallery is within easy reach of Auckland city centre for those on foot or using public transport, and there is plenty of parking in the area.