City Gallery Wellington
Te Whare Toi
A contemporary art museum beside Civic Square, hosting New Zealand and international contemporary art exhibitions year-round, and a great place to get a sense of the local art scene.
Housed in the Art Deco former Central Library built in 1940, the gallery has no permanent collection of its own. Its focus is on rotating shows of contemporary art, photography, and Māori and Pacific art. It has hosted major international exhibitions, including works by Yayoi Kusama.
Most exhibitions are free, though some international special shows charge admission. Outside, Civic Square features a silver fern sphere sculpture, and the City to Sea Bridge leads down to the waterfront, so you can easily continue to the harbour promenade.
Opening hours
10:00–17:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Wellington Waterfront & Oriental Bay
- Wellington Museum
- Cuba Street
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- Harbourside Market
- Embassy Theatre
- The Beehive & Parliament Buildings
- Wellington Cable Car & Botanic Garden