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Located in the heart of the city, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery is one of the finest in the country. It has an impressive collection of historical and innovative contemporary works. The dynamic programme of special exhibitions and informative tours makes it an interesting and entertaining visit.

History of the Gallery

Founded in 1884 by William Mathew Hodgkins, cultural activist, artist, and father of famous New Zealand painter Frances Hodgkins, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery is the oldest gallery in New Zealand. In the beginning the Gallery housed a small collection of then contemporary New Zealand works. Since this time the collection has grown considerably, and is now recognised as one of New Zealand's best.

The Dunedin Public Art Gallery offers an interesting and informative experience. Its broad variety of exhibitions and stunning architecture make it a must see for any visitor to the city.

Gallery Collections

The Gallery houses an excellent collection of New Zealand works covering the period from 1860 to the present. The Gallery also has significant holdings of historical European art, Japanese prints, and decorative arts. Historical works by renowned artists such as Turner, Gainsborough, Claude Lorrain, and Machiavelli feature alongside Monet, Derain, Tissot, Burne-Jones and Frances Hodgkins.

The Building

Since re-opening in May 1996 in its new Octagon site, the Gallery has received much acclaim for its architectural design. Four levels provide a variety of interesting perspectives, both inside and out into the Octagon. It has a number of different spaces ranging from a light, spacious foyer to small intimate galleries.