City Gallery Wellington

Enjoy eclectic and cutting-edge contemporary art at this free gallery.

City Gallery Wellington has a reputation for showing the latest and boldest artwork coming out of New Zealand as well as staging international exhibitions. It has no permanent collection of its own, but instead showcases an ever-changing body of work that focuses on visual arts, architecture and design.

Housed in a magnificent art deco-style building that used to be the Wellington Public Library, the gallery comprises seven principle exhibition spaces.

Before venturing inside, stop by Square². This area features video artworks by local, national and international artists. Films are played here continuously 24 hours a day.

Learn about Māori and Pacific Island art and culture inside the Deane Gallery. Discover the work of Wellington-based artists in the Hirschfeld Gallery. Works in this space cover many art forms including painting, sculpture, video, mixed media, furniture and photography. Typically, there are six to eight exhibitions a year in this gallery space.

As you walk around observe some of the building’s original and restored art deco features such as the period glass light fittings.

For the latest information about what’s on, check out the gallery’s website. If you are visiting with children, download the activity booklets from the website before your visit. These booklets have plenty of creative games and pursuits to challenge and entertain children as they move around the gallery. Art Explorer: Civic Square is for children aged 5 to 8 years old while Art Explorer: Waterfront is designed for children aged 9 to 12 years old.

Situated in Civic Square in the heart of the downtown area, City Gallery Wellington is well served by several bus routes. The gallery does not have on-site parking facilities, but there’s metered parking and garages in nearby streets. Admission to the gallery is free although there may be charges for some exhibitions.

City Gallery is open every day except Christmas Day.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near City Gallery Wellington

Civic Square

Relax outdoors in the center of Wellington, surrounded by public artworks and some of the city’s most iconic buildings.

Central Library

This modern public library is regarded for its functional architecture, free events year-round and many collections of books and other resources.

Michael Fowler Centre

Wellington’s main stage for conferences and indoor events features award-winning architecture and a year-round calendar of music and arts events.

Wellington

As the New Zealand capital, Wellington has all the cool museums, gardens and heritage buildings, but its arty vibe is what makes this windy city über cool.

TSB Bank Arena

Located on Wellington’s picturesque waterfront, this multipurpose venue hosts many events, including concerts, trade shows, art exhibitions and more.

Hotels near City Gallery Wellington

Travelodge Hotel Wellington

2-6 Gilmer Terrace

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station). TSB Bank Arena and Victoria University of Wellington are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 14 minutes by foot.

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

147 The Terrace

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, within a 15-minute walk of St Paul's Cathedral, Carter Observatory, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Old St Paul's and Botanic Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

Trinity Hotel Wellington

166 Willis Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Central Library, and Victoria University of Wellington. City Gallery Wellington and Lambton Quay are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 17 minutes by foot.

ibis Wellington

153 Featherston St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 6 minutes by foot.

Rydges Wellington

75 Featherston St

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Pipitea, this luxury hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is only a 3-minute walk.

Willis Wellington Hotel

355 Willis St

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Aro Valley, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Wellington Central Business District, Wellington Waterfront, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Sky Stadium and Wellington Zoo are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wellington Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Grand Mercure Wellington

345 The Terrace

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington Waterfront, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Wellington Zoo and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wellington Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Novotel Wellington

133 The Terrace

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

Bolton Hotel

Corner of Bolton & Mowbray Streets

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, just steps from Wellington Central Business District and Lambton Quay. Old Government Buildings and New Zealand Parliament Buildings are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 8 minutes by foot.

Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman

169 Willis St

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Victoria University of Wellington, and Cuba Street Mall. Wellington Waterfront and TSB Bank Arena are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Mercure Wellington Central City Hotel and Apartments

130 Victoria Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Cuba Street Mall. Victoria University of Wellington and Wellington Waterfront are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Naumi Studio Wellington

223 Cuba Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 25 minutes by foot.

Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay

100 Oriental ParadeOriental Bay, Oriental Bay

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oriental Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Oriental Parade and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 24 minutes by foot.

CityLife Wellington

300 Lambton Quay(Vehicle access 14 Gilmer Terrace), (Vehicle access 14 Gilmer Terrace)

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Lambton Quay and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

West Plaza Hotel

110 Wakefield Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Town Hall, Michael Fowler Centre, and Civic Square. City Gallery Wellington and The Opera House are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Bay Plaza Hotel

40 Oriental Parade

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oriental Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 23 minutes by foot.

Q Hotel

223 Cuba Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Distinction Wellington Century City Hotel

70 Tory Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District, Courtenay Place, and St James Theatre. New Zealand Film Archive and Embassy Theatre are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Atura Wellington

24 Hawkestone StThorndon, Thorndon

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Thorndon, this spa hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Old St Paul's and Beehive. Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station) and Sky Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 9 minutes by foot and Wellington Kaiwharawhara Station is 29 minutes.

InterContinental Wellington, an IHG Hotel

2 Grey Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this luxury hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

QT Wellington

90 Cable Street

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Wellington hotel is located in the entertainment district, just steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wellington Station is 19 minutes by foot.

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (formerly Downtown Backpackers)

1 Bunny Street Wellington Cbd

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Pipitea, this hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Wellington Waterfront, and Lambton Quay. Old Government Buildings and Parliament House are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is only a 1-minute walk.

Richmond Guest House Bed & Breakfast

116 Brougham St

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Mount Victoria, this bed & breakfast is within a 15-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Wellington Zoo are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Nomads Capital Backpackers Wellington

118 Wakefield St

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.