Auckland Art Gallery’s 125th Anniversary

Overview

Here in New Zealand we don’t have such a long history, so all the more reason to celebrate historic moments when they come around. This Sunday, February 17, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki celebrates its 125th anniversary, and you’re invited.

As a special anniversary gift, free entry to the popular international exhibition, Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 - Present will be given to the first 125 visitors to the Gallery on the day. There’s even special Celebration Cake to commemorate the occasion, available from the Gallery Café.

The day kicks off with a civic ceremony at 9am, followed by a programme of free events. From 10am there’ll be cultural performances, floor talks from art gurus such as Hamish Keith, and front and back-of-house tours.

Opened on February 17, 1888, the Auckland Art Gallery was the first purpose-built public art gallery in the country. In its 125 years, the Gallery has had an undeniable influence on the development of New Zealand art, as well as the development of Auckland’s artist and cultural scene. It holds the largest collection of New Zealand art in the world, and remains the largest art institution nationwide with a collection of over 15,000 works.

Since the completion of the Gallery’s development in September 2011, close to a million people have passed through its doors. The Auckland Art Gallery really is a world-class institution and luckily for us, we can visit any time we want, for free. Show your support and appreciation by heading along for a visit.