The Dunedin Public Art Gallery is one of New Zealand's finest showcasing what is considered to be the best in local and international art. Over three floors, you'll find paintings by such venerated old masters as French impressionists Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro, and landscape artists James Tissot and Claude Lorrain.
Collecting New Zealand art is an important priority for the gallery. The collection dates from the 1860's when the nation was still in it's infancy to the present day. Notable artists include George O'Brien, Rita Angus and Ralph Hotere as well the prerequisite Goldie, McCahon and Van der Walden collections. Special mention must be made of Frances Hodgkins - a New Zealand artist who gained a international following. It was her father who started the Gallery and thus it is the largest collector of her prodigious output. Contemporary artists include Richard Kileen, Phillip Trusttum and Jacqueline Fraser.
Those looking for something different and more eclectic can look at the significant amount of Japanese woodblock prints the gallery holds. There is a small selection of Australian art and a unparalleled collection of decorative arts which include costumes, textiles, ceramics, glass and furniture. The New Zealand Film Archive also has it's base here.
The gallery keeps up a vigorous exhibition and touring programme and has a short term artist in residence programme. The education programme is extremely popular and very diverse and it's publications are well regarded. The Gallery has its own café out on the ground level where you can sit and discuss what you saw and take a rest from all that walking. Guided tours are available for every exhibition which provide a deeper perspective and more context.
The Octagon, Dunedin.
03 477 4000
