Opening of Auckland Art Gallery

Overview

After six years of planning and three years construction, finally, this Saturday the Auckland Art Gallery will open to the public. A $121 million heritage restoration and expansion promises a new chapter for visual arts in Aotearoa, and as the tarps are slowly peeled back we're excited to see just what that means. From what we can already see the building's looking as beautiful as the concepts we stared at in brochures way back when, but the real test will come Saturday when the public steps inside its revamped gallery for the first time.

Here's a rundown of the opening events.

SATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBER

10.30am - 2.30pm: Art workout! Street theatre
An exercise regime for the senses to warm you up for New Zealand's biggest art experience.

11am: Gallery doors open

11am - 10pm: Introduction to the Robertson Promised Gift
An illustrated introduction to the art and artists that make up the extraordinary gift from Julian and Josie Robertson to the people of New Zealand.  Narrated by Jennifer Ward-Lealand.  Hearing loop connection available as well as text of narration.

11am - 10pm: The Redevelopment Project - photo essay by Jennifer French
A stunning photographic essay from Auckland Art Gallery photographer, Jennifer French, which spans the Gallery's three-year plus development project. External video screens.

11.15am and 1.15pm: Traditional Maori waiata and taonga puoro
The haunting sound of traditional Maori instruments will beckon you into the Grey Gallery.  This section of Toi Aotearoa tells the story of Maori and Pakeha interaction and includes taonga from the Sir George Grey collection. Riki Bennett and Rewi Spraggon perform original waiata as well as taonga puoro, using traditional instruments.

12pm: Celebrate Choi Jeong Hwa's extraordinary Flower Chandelier
Bring a flower; real, plastic or paper, and make an offering to this work as part of this event. Beginning outside in the forecourt pool with Choi Jeong Hwa's installationRed, then moving inside to the atrium and his colourful suspended kinetic sculpture. Performance includes traditional M?ori instruments. Choreographed by Pei-Jung Lee from University of Auckland, School of Dance, in collaboration with the artist.

1pm - 3pm: Family drop in - a creative space for the whole family!
Get creative with hands-on activities inspired by artworks in our collection. Suitable for ages four and up - please note all children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. Check the exact location at the information desk when you arrive.

3pm: Pacifica
Students from the St Peter's College choir perform a melody of Pacifica songs.

4pm and 6pm: Classical music performance
A string quartet brings our historical collection to life. Featuring John Fennell and Iselta Alison on violin, Siobhan Gerritsen on cello and Irina Andreeva on violin and viola.

7pm: Jazz
Cool jazz for cool art - performed by Circling Sun featuring Cameron Allen on saxophone, Ben Turua on bass, Ron Samsom on drums and Daniel Ryland on electric guitar.

8pm: Fashion in Motion
An eclectic showcase of unique and experimental design reflecting new approaches to fashion explored through innovative fabric manipulation, intricate detailing and dynamic silhouettes. Designed by fashion students from the Bachelor of Design course at AUT University, these garments will be presented in a choreographed display against a backdrop of art and architecture.

9pm: The Sound Room - ambient audio for the Gallery
Auckland-based collaborative The Sound Room perform an ambient work composed to celebrate the opening of the Gallery. Featuring Marshall Smith on keyboards, vocals and programming, Tom Fox on acoustic and electric guitars with special guest Ashley Brown, cellist with the New Zealand Trio.

SUNDAY 4 SEPTEMBER

10am - 2pm: Art workout! Street theatre
An exercise regime for the senses to warm you up for New Zealand's biggest art experience.

10am - 5pm: Introduction to the Robertson Promised Gift
An illustrated introduction to the art and artists that make up the extraordinary gift from Julian and Josie Robertson to the people of New Zealand. Narrated by Jennifer Ward-Lealand.

10.30am and 12.30pm: Traditional Maori waiata and taonga puoro
The haunting sound of traditional Maori instruments will beckon you into the Grey Gallery.  This section of Toi Aotearoa tells the story of Maori and Pakeha interaction and includes taonga from the Sir George Grey collection. Riki Bennett and Rewi Spraggon perform original waiata as well as taonga puoro, using traditional instruments.

12pm and 3pm: Classical music performance
A string quartet brings our historical collection to life. Featuring John Fennell and Iselta Alison on violin, Siobhan Gerritsen on cello and Irina Andreeva on violin and viola.

1pm - 3pm: Family drop in - a creative space for the whole family!
Get creative with hands-on activities inspired by artworks in our collection. Suitable for ages 4 and up - Please note all children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. Check the exact location at the information desk when you arrive.