Os degraus do Auckland War Memorial Museum oferecem vistas esplêndidas sobre o pátio do Cenotáfio até o Domínio, a cidade e o Porto de Waitemata além. O museu abriga a maior coleção da Nova Zelândia de Maori e da Ilha do Pacífico taonga (tesouros). Ele também tem fantásticos centros de descoberta interativa para crianças pequenas e velhas, bem como a exposição Scars on the Heart da história da guerra da Nova Zelândia. Uma apresentação cultural maori de 20 minutos com músicas, danças poi, jogos de pau, uma exibição de armas e haka também acontece aqui. O museu também tem uma loja de presentes e livros e um café. Para um dia cheio de entretenimento, dirija-se ao Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Galeria de Arte de Auckland Toi o Tāmaki abriga e exibe a maior e mais abrangente coleção de arte neozelandesa e internacional do país. Inaugurado em 1888, este edifício vitoriano foi construído em estilo Chateau francês. As várias exposições temporárias e permanentes da Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki apresentam obras de artistas desde o século XIV. Esta extraordinária galeria de arte abriga obras de arte atemporais feitas por artistas nativos e internacionais. A galeria também se orgulha de outras comodidades, como uma biblioteca, uma loja e um café.
Fo Guang Shan Temple is a beautiful example of Asian temple architecture and is a place of true peace and serenity. The temple welcomes visitors and features fantastic and awe-inspiring statues of Buddha, well-maintained grounds, a small eatery that serves delicious meals, and a souvenir shop. Prayer services are frequently conducted for the religious. A visit to the Fo Guang Shan Temple is definitely a must when in the city.
The old Pumphouse, with its tall landmark chimney on the shores of Lake Pupuke, stands as a glorious red brick reminder of the past and is now restored as a charming theatre and gallery. The Pumphouse café overlooks the lake with its gentle urban tree-framed view, ducks, swans and energetic rowers and sailors. The North Shore Theatre and Arts Trust administers the Pumphouse. The Gallery is situated upstairs and functions as a show place for North Shore arts and crafts with a wide-ranging variety of exhibitions.
There has always been funny business in this establishment--before it became a comedy theatre, it was a porn cinema! Now, you will find a varied array of funny folk from part-timers and professionals through to international comedians. Occasionally there are other events, such as music, film and video, and alternative cabaret. Check their website for details of events. There are two licensed bars and cabaret seating for up to 140 people.
1000 years of maritime history are revealed in creative ways on the harbor's edge. The museum features numerous restored vessels, some afloat in the marina. Daily cruises are offered on the scow, which sets sail when the cannon is fired at noon. Learn the stories of Polynesian voyaging, immigration, navigation and whaling. Meet Salty Sam! Use the interactive exhibits or join the model-makers workshop. There is also a café and store.
Jonathan Grant Galleries were established in 1984, specializing mainly in 19th and 20th century English and continental paintings. They also deal in antipodean painting and historical New Zealand watercolors. Some more recent New Zealand artists found at Jonathan Grant include Jan Nigro (painting), Josephine Davis, Ion Brown and Ken Kendall (bronze sculpture). The Galleries also provide a specialized conservation and restoration service, valuations, an art consulting service, and they make gold-leafed frames. In 1988 the galleries were expanded to include Artists Gallery next door, specializing in contemporary New Zealand work, and Dilana Artists' Rugs, a permanent display in "the Basement".
The New Zealand Tsi Ming Temple is entered through a large, elegant gateway of traditional design. There is a fine statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in the garden. The temple itself is in finely decorated traditional Chinese-palace style. The doors are finely carved with symbolic wheels. You can light incense and make offerings. A large statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, flanked by two other Bodhisattvas, stand inside the temple. Contact the abbess, Master Chang Shuen, for service times. Visitors are welcome. Most services are in Chinese (Mandarin), and there is also an English session. Services are generally followed by a free vegetarian lunch.
Artspace dates from 1987 and is well known in Auckland for its avant garde approach to art. At a time when opportunities to exhibit were restricted to either public or dealer galleries, Artspace allowed an alternative venue for curators and artists to explore new avenues and ideas, new ways of seeing, and new approaches. The gallery functions as a charitable trust with funding from Creative New Zealand, and has supported and promoted many emerging and experimental New Zealand artists, as well as overseas visitors.
The Cathedral functions as the center for the Anglican Church in Auckland, and also for the Parish of Parnell. It was dedicated as an Ecumenical Cathedral of Hope early in the 1990s with 8 denominations committed. Worship and ministry are the central activities here and the congregation comes from all over Auckland. Visitors are welcome.
Mairangi Arts Centre (MAC) is a well facilitated community art center. The center has a large gallery space for exhibitions, 3 studios for classes and art workshops, a separate sculpture studio, a printing press and a quaint cafe. Exhibiting a large variety of artworks, the center is one of the best known art hubs of the city. Besides playing host to myriad exhibitions, MAC also conducts art courses for all ages, including vacation classes for children. Check their website for event information and more.
The Bath Street Gallery in Parnell is a beacon for contemporary art lovers in Auckland as it showcases a plethora of artworks by local as well as international artists. The gallery was founded in 2003 and, since then, has featured stone and metal sculptures as well as fine arts paintings by renowned international artists like Rachael Dewhirst, Louise Purvis and Liu Dao. Apart from the works of established artists, the gallery also serves as a platform for young and upcoming talents from across the country to display their creations for the art admirers in Auckland.