New Zealand's principal public art gallery occupies a heritage building from 1887 that was dramatically expanded and renovated in 2011, wrapping a new wing around the old French-chateau-style facade. The collection spans New Zealand and international art from the 14th century to the present, with a particular strength in New Zealand portraiture and contemporary Pacific art.
The permanent collection is free. Travelling exhibitions carry an admission charge. The gallery sits at the edge of Albert Park, a pleasant Victorian garden that makes a good spot to decompress afterwards.