NZ Art Show

About the event

NZ Art Show 2026 — Wellington’s iconic celebration of contemporary art Arrive curious. Wander boldly. See widely. Feel deeply. Support proudly. 📅 Friday 29 May – Sunday 31 May 2026 (King’s Birthday weekend) 📍 TSB Arena & Shed 6, Queens Wharf, Wellington Opening Hours (all require tickets) Children are free but still require a ticket Friday 29th: 9:00am–11:00am Summerset Seniors Morning - free 65+ 11:00am–8:00pm General Entry Saturday 30th: 10:00am–6:00pm 6:30pm-9:30pm Special Event for the Women of Pōneke (Find tickets HERE) Sunday 31st: 10:00am–5:00pm The NZ Art Show returns to Wellington’s waterfront, transforming TSB Arena and Shed 6 into a vibrant gathering of art, people, and stories. For three days, discover thousands of artworks, meet the artists who create them, explore diverse styles and mediums, and find works to live with—whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious. This is your art show. Welcome in. Quick Guide Scroll down for The Experience Scroll down for Tickets & Passes Scroll down for Summerset Seniors Morning Scroll down for Plan Your Visit The Experience For three inspiring days, the NZ Art Show brings together paintings, photography, sculpture, and mixed media in one of Aotearoa’s most loved cultural events. 300+ artists 4,000+ original artworks Artist encounters and curated experiences Emerging Artists Award and special programming throughout the weekend Come to discover. Stay to connect. Leave with art that matters to you. Tickets and Passes Discover Pass (General Entry) – Explore the show at your own pace Multi-Day Passes – Return across the weekend and take your time Summerset Seniors Morning – Exclusive early access for Gold Card holders and seniors (Friday only) Women of Pōneke: A Special NZ Art Show Event - Join the Women of Pōneke community for a special evening at the NZ Art Show (Saturday night only, find tickets HERE) Why It Matters Every ticket supports artists and creative communities across Aotearoa. Over the past 20+ years, the NZ Art Show has sold more than 32,000 artworks and returned over $23 million directly to artists. By attending, you become part of this ecosystem—supporting creativity, livelihoods, and culture. Collecting art is not just a purchase. It’s participation in a living cultural story. Summerset Seniors Morning (Friday 9:00am–11:00am) Seniors Morning, brought to you by Summerset Enjoy exclusive early access to the NZ Art Show before doors open to the public. Arrive between 9:00am and 11:00am for a relaxed, uncrowded viewing of the show. You’ll be welcomed by Summerset, with the café open for coffee and refreshments—making it a calm, social, and inspiring way to start your art day. Eligibility: This ticket must be purchased by a Gold Card holder or someone aged 65+. Each eligible ticket holder may reserve a ticket for an accompanying guest too. Women of Pōneke: A Special NZ Art Show Event (Saturday 6:30pm–9:00pm) Join the Women of Pōneke community for an evening at the NZ Art Show. This inspiring night will feature artist conversations, storytelling, and connection, celebrating creativity and the journeys behind the art. Your ticket includes shared platters and a welcome drink, with a cash bar available throughout the evening. Dress to Express - wear something that feels like you. A full look, a favourite piece, or one perfect accessory. Bold, subtle, or somewhere in between. You do you, because self-expression is the oldest art form there is. Tickets are limited to 300 guests — we recommend securing your place early. (Find tickets HERE) We know times can be tough for some. If ticket cost is a barrier to attending, please reach out and we will do our best to support you to be part of the evening. hello@womenofponeke.org.nz Featured Artists A curated selection of artists will be announced in the lead-up to the show, featuring established names alongside exciting emerging voices from across Aotearoa. (Artist announcements coming soon.) Friend memberships and Gala Evening information are available via our website: 👉 Plan Your Visit Located on Wellington’s waterfront, the show is surrounded by cafés, restaurants, hotels, and galleries—making it an ideal long-weekend cultural getaway. The NZ Art Show also opens Wellington Art Week, positioning the city as a hub of creativity and culture. Accessibility Wheelchair and family friendly. Parking, courier and art hold services available. Café and EFTPOS facilities on site (Visa and Mastercard). Join the Community Want early access, art vouchers, and exclusive events? Join Friends of the NZ Art Show and be part of a community supporting Aotearoa’s artists year-round. 👉 Nau mai, haere mai We acknowledge mana whenua and welcome all into this creative gathering. This is a place for curiosity, connection, and creative exchange.