Tūrangawaewae suggests a foundation, a sense of belonging in this Pacific place – Aotearoa. Together, these works may help us find our own place to stand.

There are five exhibition areas within Tūrangawaewae: Art and New Zealand.

Exhibition areas

Toi whenua

Where should an exhibition of New Zealand art begin? This gallery offers several toi whenua, or sources of creativity – through sculpture, painting, film, and tapa.

Encounters | Ngā tai whakarongorua

The portraits in this gallery represent mana. Some trumpet the status of European royalty, Māori leaders, or prosperous colonial settlers in New Zealand. Others advertise the skills of the artist. All carry with them stories from the past into the present.

I stand up | Matika maranga

What difference does art make? Created from the 1950s to the 1990s, these works span a time of enormous political and social change.

Colin McCahon

A group of Colin McCahon’s most important works are on display coinciding with the centenary of the artist’s birth.

Janet Lilo – Top16

In this gallery, you’ve entered a giant, three-dimensional profile page. Lilo explores how social media allows us to shape our identities online – and reinvent the self-portrait form.

Read more about Janet Lilo – Top16

Guide to Toi Art in New Zealand Sign Language