Current
Exhibitions
Kura Pounamu
Tō tātou kōhatu kahurangi
Our treasured stone
Various
An exhibition of more than 200 pounamu greenstone treasures, Kura Pounamu tells the story of this most precious of stones, its significance to Māori, and its enduring value from ancient times until today.
Outstanding examples of traditional toki (tools), hei tiki (pendants in human form), and mere (weapons) form the majority of the exhibition, many very rare, with some of the oldest thought to originate from early settlement times, around 700-800 years ago. Created by Te Papa working closely with Ngāi Tahu and other iwi, the exhibition has been appreciated by visitors in their hundreds of thousands locally and overseas. Some of the taonga have a connection to local places such as Cobb River, D’Urville Island and Port Underwood. Found only in the South Island of New Zealand, Kura Pounamu: Our Treasured Stone reaffirms the ancient links pounamu has with Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island). An exhibition presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.
Image: Hei tiki (pendant in human form). Gift of Leo Buller, 1911. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (ME002100)
2 December 23 - 4 February 24
About
Exhibitions
The Marlborough Art Gallery presents a programme of
regularly-changing, curated art exhibitions and events. The exhibitions and programmes feature New Zealand and international artists in both nationally touring and locally curated exhibitions. Many exhibitions are based on works in the Gallery's permanent collection. Community-focused exhibitions are developed in conjunction with other local events and organisations, and present the work of Marlborough artists, iwi and school children. These art projects take place both at the Gallery and in other locations.
Art displayed at the Gallery ranges from paintings, photography and sculpture to a variety of forms of applied arts and craft. Exhibitions are accompanied by public programmes such as artist and curator talks and educational workshops and school holiday events.
The Gallery is also a popular venue for arts sector, community and business events.
A not for profit organisation, governed by a Charitable Trust and professionally managed, the Gallery's operation is supported by an extensive network of volunteers. The Gallery is partly funded by the Marlborough District Council. Regular fundraising events are held to generate additional funds to support the Gallery's programmes, and books, cards, local art and jewellery are available to purchase in the gallery shop.
Past
Exhibitions
Kupe Sites
Ngā tapuwae o Kupe Landmarks of The Great Voyager
Photographer Michael Hall
23 September - 19 November 2023
Study of Chaos and Collaboration
Jim Tannock & Rosa McGregor
Show runs until 19 February 2023
Jean Loomis
Nga Awa e Toru - 3 Rivers
Awatere, Wairau, Waiautoa
Jean E Loomis
30 July - 11 September 2022
Tatau: Tatau Sāmoa ma ata pu'e Sāmoan Tattooing & Photography
Mark Adams, Greg Semu, John Agcaoili, Angela Tiatia
9 April - 22 May 2022
Rare and unrivalled beauty - landscape paintings from the Kelliher Art Trust Collection
Various
11 December 2021 - 20 February 2022
Time Travellers - Tuia Te Muka Tangata Ki Uta: Shared Futures
Various
16 November 2019 - 26 January 2020
FourXFiveXSix
Harry Culy, Tash Hopkins, Thomas Hoyle, Clayton Morgan, Thomas Slade, Sam Curtin
11 May - 23 June 2019
The Long Way Around
Bridget Bidwill, Bronwynne Cornish, Tony Lane, and Denys Watkins
23 March - 5 May 2019
Buller's Birds - The Art of Keulemans and Buchanan
J G Keulemans and John Buchanan
2 February - 17 March 2019
Botanical Art Worldwide Ngāi Tipu Taketake – Indigenous Flora
Various
3 November - 9 December 2018
Digital Undergrowth and the Auction of Acceptance
Jim Tannock and Danny Knox
3 February - 19 March 2017
Whakawhiti Aria: Transmission
Israel Birch, Shane Cotton and Robert Jahnke
2 August - 7 September 2014
Three - Green, Maguire, Schotanus
Janet Green, Fran Maguire and Sara Schotanus
15 September - 29 October 2012
Wairua, Tikanga Maori in NZ Children's Books
Robyn Kahukiwa, Gavin Bishop and Murray Grimsdale
4 February - 18 March 2012
Garden Objets d'Art, Hunter's Garden Marlborough 2009 Auction
Various
10 October - 8 November 2009