City Gallery

The hub for art-life in New Zealand’s capital, City Gallery Wellington is a contemporary art gallery with a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events, and an international reputation.

The exhibitions are both challenging and inspiring, making this a gallery very worth a visit. Be sure to check out the famous Nikau Gallery Café located in the gallery building too.

Make sure to check out the divisive and unmissable Quasi installation (you’ll see ‘him’ as soon as you enter Te Ngākau Civic Square). After almost three years perched atop Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, Ronnie van Hout’s Quasi has relocated to the roof of City Gallery Wellington. The five-metre public sculpture is a partial self-portrait of van Hout, and is based on scans of the artist’s own body.

Whether you love the sculpture or it falls too deeply into the Uncanny Valley for your liking, it makes for a great (perhaps slightly unsettled) laugh with friends and is sure to spark a conversation. After all, isn’t that what great art is all about?