1- Enjoy Public Art Gallery
Upstairs at 147 Cuba St
Open: Wed–Fri 11–6, Sat 11–4
Established in 2000, Enjoy is a uniquely non-commercial gallery that facilitates an exciting programme of contemporary art exhibitions, projects, events and publications.
2- Bartley and Company Art
56A Ghuznee Street
Open: Wed–Fri 11–6, Sat 11–4
Directed by Alison Bartley, the gallery exhibits emerging and established contemporary NZ artists across a variety of media, including Mary-Louise Browne, Helen Calder and Anne Noble.
3- Bowen Gallery
41 Ghuznee Street
Open: Mon–Fri 10–5:30, Sat 10–3, Sun 12–3
Directed by Jenny Neligan and Penney Moir, Bowen exhibits NZ and Australian artists within the main gallery and in their additional window space.
4- Hamish McKay
1st Floor, 39 Ghuznee Street
Open: Fri–Sat 11–5
Although only open two days a week, Hamish McKay exhibits leading artists from NZ, Australia and the world.
5- Peter McLeavey Gallery
Upstairs at 147 Cuba St
Open: Wed–Fri 11–5, Sat 11–4
One of Wellington’s, if not NZ’s, most influential dealer galleries. Founded in 1966 by Peter McLeavy, and now managed by his daughter Olivia, the gallery began with exhibitions by Toss Woollaston and Colin McCahon and continues to exhibit leading artists.
6- Robert Heald Gallery
209 Leftbank, Cuba Mall
Open: Wed–Fri 11–5, Sat 11–4
Tucked down the corner of left bank, Robert Heald exhibits impeccably installed work by leading contemporary NZ and Australian artists.
7- {Suite}
241 Cuba St
Open: Tue–Fri 11–6, Sat 11–4
After relocating to their street front gallery last year and adding a sculpture garden out back, Suite continues to present and stock works by artists such as Wayne Youle, Fiona Pardington and Ans Westra.
8- The Young
2/7 Hawker Street, Mount Victoria
Open: Fri–Sat 12–5
Directed by Carey Young, the gallery exhibits contemporary art in the intimate interior of a Wellington villa.
9- 30 Upstairs
30 Courtney Place
Open: Wed–Fri 12–5, Sat 11–4
30 Upstairs exhibits and promotes emerging and new graduate artists across a wide variety of mediums, often showing three per month. Don’t forget to check out the office collection while you are there.
10- City Gallery
101 Wakefield St (Civic Square)
Open: Mon–Sun 10–5
Established in 1980, City Gallery was the first significant non-collecting, exhibition-based public gallery in New Zealand and they continue to exhibit some of the biggest and best shows in town.
11- Adam Art Gallery
Victoria University of Wellington, Gate 3, Kelburn Parade
Open: Tue–Sun 11–5
Tina Barton, Stephen Cleland
As the purpose-built gallery of Victoria University of Wellington, the Adam is known for its well-researched, thoughtful and critical exhibition programme. If you are studying at Victoria there is no excuse not to visit.
12- The Dowse
45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt,
Open: Mon–Sun 10–5
Although out of town, The Dowse is always worth the trip. As the public art museum for Hutt City it exhibits new works alongside pieces from their extensive collection.
13- The Engine Room
Block 1, Massey University
Open: Tue–Fri 12–4 (during semester)
Part of the Whiti o Rehua School of Art, the gallery exhibits local and international contemporary art in shows developed by students, staff and also in partnerships with international art school peers.
14- Toi Poneke
61-69 Abel Smith Street
Open: Mon–Fri 10–8, Sat 10–4
Run by the City Council, Toi Poneke is a creative space for artists, arts businesses, and arts organisations to meet, work, rehearse and exhibit. The gallery exhibits work by solo artists, groups and curators (emerging and established).
15- The New Zealand Portrait Gallery
Shed 11, 11 Customhouse Quay
Open: Mon–Sun 10.30–4.30
Home to a growing collection of portraits, the gallery looks at portraiture across painting, sculpture, caricature, photography and new media.
16- Thistle Hall
Corner Cuba and Arthur St
Open: Times/days vary
Thistle Hall is an independent, inner-city arts and cultural community venue.
17- 17 Tory St + The See Here
17 Tory St + Window Space
Open: Times/days vary
17 Tory Street is an open source community gallery run by the Concerned Citizens Collective. Nestled into the building facade, The See Here exhibits experimental and explorative work within a three meter high window.
18- Precinct 35b
35 Ghuznee St
Open: Store opening hours, Mon–Sun
While the front is a design store, the back room has recently started housing a new series of exhibitions by local artists.
19- Nook Gallery
7a Majoribanks Street, Mt Victoria
Open: Sat–Sun 11–5
Specialising in jewellery and objects, Nook Gallery showcases the work of Moniek Schrijer and Chloe Rose Taylor’s jewellery.
20- Urban Dream Brokerage
Taking place in vacant spaces all over the city.