City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi is Wellington’s leading contemporary art institution, presenting major local and international exhibitions from its home in the civic precinct. The gallery is currently operating from a temporary location at the National Library of New Zealand while its permanent home in Civic Square undergoes earthquake strengthening. It is due to return to Civic Square in October 2026.
Practical Information
| Temporary Location | National Library of New Zealand, Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington (until mid-2026) |
|---|---|
| Permanent Home | Civic Square, Wellington (returning October 2026) |
| Admission | Free entry to most exhibitions |
| Current Hours | Check the City Gallery website for up-to-date exhibition hours |
About City Gallery Wellington
City Gallery Wellington has operated as the capital’s dedicated contemporary art space since 1990, building a reputation as one of New Zealand’s most ambitious public art institutions. The programme spans painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation work, with a focus on artists pushing the boundaries of their practice. Both New Zealand and international artists feature across around 20 exhibitions a year.
The gallery’s permanent home is an Art Deco building on Civic Square — sharing the precinct with the Wellington Public Library, Wellington Town Hall, and Te Whaea Creative New Zealand. Wellington City Council is currently earthquake strengthening the building and upgrading the surrounding precinct as part of a broader effort to restore Te Ngākau Civic Precinct as the heart of the city.
Current Situation — Temporary Location at National Library
While Civic Square is being strengthened, City Gallery is running exhibitions at the National Library of New Zealand on Molesworth Street in Thorndon. The temporary programme continues through mid-2026. The gallery is planning its return to Civic Square for October 2026, when it will open with the first major Aotearoa exhibition by celebrated British artist Cornelia Parker — running from 10 October 2026 to 7 March 2027.
Check the City Gallery website for the latest information on current exhibition locations and opening times before visiting.
Where to Learn More
Wellington Scoop — reopening announcement — details on the Cornelia Parker exhibition planned for the October 2026 reopening.
WellingtonNZ — visitor overview of City Gallery, including location and what to expect.
FAQ
Is City Gallery Wellington free?
Yes — entry to most exhibitions is free.
Where is City Gallery Wellington right now?
The gallery is temporarily at the National Library of New Zealand on Molesworth Street, Thorndon. Its permanent Civic Square home is closed for earthquake strengthening and is due to reopen in October 2026.
When will City Gallery reopen at Civic Square?
The planned return is October 2026, opening with a major exhibition by British artist Cornelia Parker, running through to March 2027.
What kind of art does City Gallery show?
Contemporary art across all media — painting, photography, video, installation, and sculpture. The programme presents around 20 exhibitions a year featuring New Zealand and international artists.
How do I find out what’s currently showing?
Check citygallery.org.nz for current exhibitions, locations, and opening hours before visiting.
Is City Gallery accessible?
The National Library building has step-free access. The permanent Civic Square building will have improved accessibility following the upgrade.
Also on Wellington’s cultural trail: New Zealand Portrait Gallery on the waterfront has free daily exhibitions of portraits of New Zealanders. For more cultural attractions across the capital, see Historical and Cultural Sites in Wellington.
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