Hawke's Bay Art & Culture

Hawke's Bay isn't just waterfront and wine. There's a vibrant art scene well worth a spot in your itinerary. Step into artists' studios, museums and boutique galleries and prepare to get inspired.

Art lovers will find much to discover in Hawke's Bay, from street art to museums. Spend a day gallery hopping to see Hawke's Bay through the eyes of its local artists. Is the weather too nice to stay cooped up inside? A fun way to do your sightseeing in Hawke's Bay is to take a tour of the vibrant street art scattered throughout.

Are you planning a trip to Hawke's Bay? Read on for our top recommendations in art, design and culture.

Image: Tourism Media

Museums

  • MTG deserves a spot on any art-lover's itinerary. Short for Museum, Theatre, Gallery, MTG is a cultural centre with an excellent exhibit of Maori art.
  • If the sun's not shining, head to MTG for a film screening or live performance. These are perfect things to do in winter!
  • The Central Hawke's Bay Settlers Museum shows what life was like for Hawke's Bay's early settlers with engaging homestead displays.

Image: Tourism Media

Art Galleries

  • Hawke's Bay's art galleries showcase local and international art. Birdwoods Gallery often displays sculpture and decorative arts by South African artists.
  • David Trubridge is known for eye-catching lighting, furniture and home accessories. His studio displays a frequently changing array of pieces.
  • Hastings City Art Gallery, the publicly funded contemporary art gallery, houses an eclectic variety of national and international shows.

Image: Kirsten Simcox for Hawke's Bay Tourism

Outdoor and Public Art

  • Hawke's Bay is a perfect place to catch some art outdoors. Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans is a street art project initiated locally in 2016 that illustrates the plight of the world's oceans.
  • Nearly 50 murals are scattered throughout Napier. See how many you can find. Download a map to help locate them.
  • The success of the Sea Walls exhibit has inspired other artwork throughout Hawke's Bay. Book an art walking tour to see the highlights of colourful murals and fascinating sculptures.

Created in partnership with Hawke's Bay Tourism