Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui

The Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui is a national treasure and a must-visit destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

Founded in 1912 by Henry Sarjeant, the gallery is recognized as one of the most important heritage buildings in New Zealand. The gallery opened in 1919 and has since become a national treasure, housing over 8,500 works of New Zealand and international art, spanning 400 years. The collection is of national importance and is valued at around $30 million.

The Sarjeant Gallery is located in the heart of Whanganui, a quiet rural town that is fast becoming one of New Zealand's cultural hotspots. The gallery is housed in a category one heritage-listed building, which has undergone strengthening and redevelopment to ensure its preservation. Visitors to the gallery can explore the collection, which includes works by renowned artists such as Edith Collier, Frances Stachl, and Solomon Mortimer. The extensive photographic collection includes works by Frank Denton, a renowned practitioner of the pictorialist movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The gallery also has a collection of political cartoons from the First World War and a comprehensive catalogue of 18th and 19th century British and European paintings.

The Sarjeant Gallery has two locations: Sarjeant on the Quay and Sarjeant Gallery at Pukenamu Queen's Park. The latter is the original gallery building and is recognized as one of the best galleries in regional New Zealand. The gallery holds a permanent collection of more than 8,300 artworks of national significance, covering four centuries of European art history and all of New Zealand's art history. The former location, Sarjeant on the Quay, is a retail shop that also houses a revolving collection display alongside contemporary art objects for sale. In addition to exploring the collection, visitors can also enjoy exhibitions and events at both locations. The Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui is open to the public, and admission is free. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4:30 pm.

Overall, the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui is a cultural gem that offers visitors a unique and enriching experience. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and impressive collection of artworks, it is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand.