Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Dunedin Overview

Located in Octagon, in the heart of Dunedin, The Dunedin Public Art Gallery has a range of art pieces, works, exhibitions, and events and focuses heavily on education. This attraction is one of the four major metropolitan art galleries in New Zealand and is famous for its historical artworks and close relationship with modern artists of New Zealand.

This art gallery is sourced from other public and private collections even though the Gallery’s exhibition programme fundamentally sources it. It dates back to 1884 and is the first public art gallery in New Zealand. It was founded by W.M. Hodgkins, whose paintings representing Britain’s Neo-Romantic movement from the 1860s are still preserved in the Gallery.
The Dunedin Public Art Gallery is one of the most happening art galleries in New Zealand, with new events and exhibitions every year. Therefore, stop by the Dunedin Public Art Gallery if you are into art and have a few hours to spare.

Tickets and Timings

Dunedin Public Art Gallery is open on all days from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, it is closed on public holidays such as Christmas, Easter, etc. The entry to the gallery is free but entry to events may be subject to charges.

Art Collection

The art collections at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery are mainly British and European artworks purchased by the Gallery’s founding organisation, the Public Art Gallery Society. Many western paintings are from the 15th century, works of Rosa, Claude Lorraine, Pissarro, Monet, Machiavelli, Turner, and many more.

The international collection features artwork such as Japanese prints, the 20th-century Australian selection and the decorative art collection ranges across glass, ceramics, textiles and costumes.

Things to Do

Exhibitions:
- New exhibitions take place every year.
- For 2019, the exhibitions that have already taken place are World View, Early Telepaths, A Certain Visual Argot, New Networks, Sonya Lacey, Artificial Wonderland, William Linscott and many more.
- The exhibitions that are currently going on are In Motion, Nicola Jackson, Rear Window, Us V Them, The Falls, The Expanded Gallery, for instance.
- The upcoming exhibitions are Kalisolaite ‘Uhila and Style and Substance.
Events:
- Holiday activities, Friends Talk, Tour for Tots, Guest Talk, Exchange Day, Meet the Fellows are a few events that take place in the gallery throughout the year.
Education:
- The art gallery offers a range of educational programmes during school days such as Search programmes on Art History, Art Media, Music, Art and Drama for instance.
- These are created in such a way that it fits into school timetables and meets the needs of the school curriculum.
Enjoy facilities available at the gallery such as the Nova Cafe, the gift shop that offers a range of catalogues, antiques and printed reproductions, and free WiFi in the Gallery foyer.

Rules and Policies

Exhibitions programmes are set 12 months in advance.
It is curatorially driven and by invitation only.
No-flash photography is allowed for personal and non-commercial use only. Tripods and artificial lighting for photography are strictly prohibited.
Photography of artworks that say “No photography” or close-ups are not allowed.
The Gallery shop allows for 21-day return policy.
Purchases can be made with credit cards.
On international orders, items might be subject to customs duties, taxes and additional charges. The store does not have control over these clearances.

How To Reach Dunedin Public Art Gallery

Located in the heart of Dunedin, this attraction is very close to most famous hotels, public library, municipal chambers and Regent Theater.
The closest airport to this attraction is Dunedin International Airport which is around 29 kilometres away.
Buses, taxis and cabs are available at the airport.
As for buses from public spots, bus routes number 55, 64 and 13 A that go from Briscoes, University of Otago Library, Central Library and Port Chambers respectively.