Last updated July 2026
The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is New Zealand’s largest art museum, located in the Auckland CBD. Entry to the permanent collection is free for everyone, making it one of the most accessible cultural venues in the country. The gallery holds more than 18,000 artworks spanning from the 19th century to the contemporary period, with a particularly strong collection of New Zealand, Māori and Pacific art alongside major works in the European and international traditions.
Practical Information
| Location | Corner of Wellesley Street East and Kitchener Street, enter at 1 Kitchener Street, Auckland Central |
| Hours | Daily 10am–5pm (closed Christmas Day) |
| Entry | Free (permanent/general collection); ticketed temporary exhibitions vary |
| Free tours | Weekdays at 1:30pm; first Saturday of the month at 11am and 1:30pm (45–60 minutes, first-come first-served) |
| Café | On-site café open during gallery hours |
| Getting there | Central Auckland — 15-minute walk from Waitematā station; Link buses nearby; limited paid parking nearby including Victoria Street East car park |
| Accessibility | Fully wheelchair accessible with lifts; free wheelchair hire available; accessible bathrooms; support animals welcome |
| Website | aucklandartgallery.com |
About the Gallery
The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki opened its doors on 17 February 1888 as the first permanent art gallery in New Zealand. It began with gifts from Sir George Grey and James Tannock Mackelvie focused on European and British art. The institution has grown steadily through donations and acquisitions to become Aotearoa’s largest visual arts museum, now caring for more than 18,000 works that reflect New Zealand, Māori, Pacific and international traditions.
The building combines the original 1887 French Renaissance-style structure (originally housing the public library and municipal offices) with a major contemporary extension completed in 2011. The redevelopment preserved the heritage façade while adding a striking kauri and glass atrium. The project won World Building of the Year at the 2013 World Architecture Festival. In 2026 the Heritage Restoration Project reached a major milestone, restoring the historic building to full view.
The permanent collection features significant New Zealand painting from the colonial period through to contemporary artists, including major works by Colin McCahon. The Māori and Pacific holdings include taonga in weaving, carving and contemporary practice. European old masters, decorative arts and international works complete the holdings. The gallery regularly commissions new pieces and presents rotating temporary exhibitions.
Planning Your Visit
The permanent collection requires no booking and no entry fee. Ticketed exhibitions are separate, with prices varying by show. Check the gallery website before visiting if you want to include a temporary exhibition. Allow at least 90 minutes for a thorough visit to the permanent collection, or longer if a temporary exhibition is on.
The gallery is fully accessible throughout, with wheelchair hire available free from the front desk and accessible bathrooms on multiple levels. Support animals are welcome, and entry is free for support workers accompanying visitors with disabilities. Free Wi-Fi is available, and large bags must be checked into the cloakroom.
Exhibitions, Tours and Events
Free general collection tours run every weekday at 1:30pm and on the first Saturday of the month at 11am and 1:30pm. Tours last 45–60 minutes, depart from the main foyer, and are limited to 15 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Exhibition-specific tours are also offered and should be booked in advance. The gallery runs a lively programme of talks, workshops, family events and education programmes throughout the year.
What Visitors Often Say
The McCahon works and the striking 2011 extension stand out for many visitors. Free entry makes repeat visits easy, and the guided tours provide helpful context on the collection and building.
Visitors frequently note the welcoming staff, the quality of the free tours, and the opportunity to see both historic and contemporary New Zealand art in one location.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Art Gallery — Plan Your Visit: Current hours, admission details, getting there, accessibility and facilities.
Auckland Art Gallery — Tours and Group Visits: Schedule and details for free general collection tours and exhibition tours.
Auckland Art Gallery — History and Collections: Detailed history, building information and collection overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Auckland Art Gallery free to enter?
Yes — entry to the permanent/general collection is free for all visitors. Some temporary exhibitions have a separate ticket price; these are listed on the gallery website.
What are the Auckland Art Gallery’s opening hours?
Daily from 10am to 5pm, closed on Christmas Day. Free guided tours of the general collection run on weekdays at 1:30pm and the first Saturday of the month at 11am and 1:30pm.
Is the Auckland Art Gallery accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the gallery is fully wheelchair accessible with lifts to all levels. Free wheelchair hire is available from the front desk, and accessible bathrooms are provided.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
No booking is required for the permanent collection. Temporary exhibitions may require tickets; check the website for current shows and availability.
Is there parking at the Auckland Art Gallery?
Limited paid public parking is available nearby, including the Victoria Street East car park a short walk away. Bike racks are located opposite the main entrance.
Can I take photos inside the gallery?
Hand-held photography for personal use is generally permitted, but tripods, flash and filming that disrupts others or artworks are not allowed without prior permission. Follow any “No photography” signage.
Is there a café at the Auckland Art Gallery?
Yes, an on-site café serves food and coffee during gallery hours in a sunny space near Albert Park. No food or drink is permitted inside the exhibition spaces.
Where is the Auckland Art Gallery located?
The gallery is at the corner of Wellesley Street East and Kitchener Street in central Auckland, with the main entrance at 1 Kitchener Street.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.