The Auckland city centre’s reputation as a destination for culture and creativity continues to grow.
This content was prepared by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and is being published by The New Zealand Herald as Advertorial.
From the myriad galleries and artists’ spaces of Karangahape Road to the world-class collections and exhibitions of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki – not to mention the many stunning public works dotted across its streets, parks and promenades – Auckland city centre’s reputation as a destination for culture and creativity continues to grow.
With City Rail Link now open and the city more accessible than ever, now’s the perfect time to indulge your inner art-lover. Read on to find out what’s happening now and coming up soon!
Open doors for open minds
Happening from September 18-20, the inaugural Karangahape Art Weekend will see galleries, studios and artist-run spaces across one of the country’s most creative neighbourhoods throw open their doors to the keen and curious. With late-night exhibitions, artist talks, guided tours, live music, workshops and more, whether you’re a now-and-then dabbler or a long-time aficionado, you’ll have no trouble finding something to pique your interest. Keep an eye on their socials to get the full list of events, participants and pop-up experiences.
A landmark celebration of the Pacific
Open now at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Our Ocean of Islands offers an immersive and expansive look at the many places, peoples and cultures which together make up Moana Oceania. Developed in collaboration with contributors from all 17 island countries which have diaspora communities in Aotearoa, as well as tāngata whenua and six communities from across the wider region, the exhibition celebrates the stories, knowledge systems and cultural practices which have shaped this region. Free for Auckland residents and suitable for all ages, it’s the perfect way to learn a little more about the many special threads that together weave the cloak of this interconnected part of the world.
Two icons, one unmissable exhibition
Even among the greatest of great artists, few can match Pablo Picasso either for recognition or reputation. Opening October 10 at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Picasso: Designed by Paul Smith sees the first major exhibition of the Spanish master’s work in Aotearoa for more than 30 years – curated from the collection of the Musée national Picasso–Paris in collaboration with the legendary designer Sir Paul Smith. Spanning the whole of Picasso’s celebrated career and displayed in gallery spaces purpose-designed by the British fashion icon, this show offers an unforgettable intergenerational collaboration between two unmatched artistic minds.
Taking the train? Take in some toi Māori!
Fitting for a city known for its art, the two new CRL train stations situated in the city centre are both sights worth seeing in their own right. With each boasting incredible toi Māori, from Reuben Kirkwood’s sculptural works in and around Karanga-a-Hape Station to the stunning Wāhine and Horotiu greeting those disembarking Te Waihorotiu Station at Wellesley Street, they’re the perfect way to start or end your city centre art adventure.
Whatever your artistic appetite, head to Discover Auckland and start planning your visit today!