The Suter Art Gallery

The Suter Art Gallery sits prettily beside the Queens Gardens on the edge of downtown Nelson. One of the oldest galleries in New Zealand, The Suter Art Gallery was originally established in memory of the second bishop of Nelson and has a rich history dating back to the late 19th Century. These days, it functions as a contemporary gallery, a theatre, an education space, a café and a gallery store.

The Suter Art Gallery building went through a major upgrade in the hands of Jerram Tocker Barron Architects in 2016, and it’s well worth taking a moment to appreciate the architecture in which the old and the new seamlessly come together. Look high up in the foyer and peek through windows at the original façade of the gallery, and take in the history of the building by looking at the original floors and ceiling in the first exhibition room.

Three large exhibition rooms make up the Suter Art Gallery, the shape of which can be manipulated with movable walls, thus offering guests a different experience with each visit. The state-of-the-art theatre functions as a cinema and live performance venue, and the education room hosts art classes for children and adults.  

Exhibitions change regularly and consist of contemporary visual arts in multiple mediums. At the far end of the gallery lies an exhibition room for the Nelson Suter Art Society, which hosts monthly exhibitions showcasing the work of its members. Outdoors, a Sculpture Walkway weaves amongst the trees along the edge of the pond.

Don’t bypass The Suter Café during your visit as it may just inhabit one of the most tranquil locations in town. Floor to ceiling windows display a view of the pond and stunning gardens beyond. Great coffee, an extensive breakfast and lunch menu featuring house-made goods and a kids’ corner, make The Suter Café a destination of its own. The Suter Store offers a curated collection of beautiful objects created by local artists and artisans.

With Nelson, a recognised national centre for arts, craft and culture, a visit to the city would hardly be complete without entering The Suter Art Gallery. Stop by to appreciate all this special piece of Nelson has to offer visitors and locals alike – you will undoubtedly be glad you did.