Govett-Brewster Art Gallery + Len Lye Centre

Galleries and museum key icon.
Galleries and museum key icon.

Monday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Tuesday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Wednesday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Thursday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Friday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Saturday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Sunday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

42 Queen Street, New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth

06 759 6060

We can thank Monica Brewster’s (nee Govett) vision for enriching New Plymouth with a world-class gallery at the top of town. A huge advocate for arts and culture, the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is Monica’s enduring gift to the community. 

The gallery is split into two distinct parts; Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and the Len Lye Centre. Although adjoining, these two buildings couldn’t be more diametrically opposed in architectural style. The Len Lye Centre has an enormous curved stainless steel wall that undulates around part of the building’s exterior, cutting a wholly futuristic shape. The Govett-Brewster, in contrast, boasts a beautifully restored Victorian facade in a muted off-white colour. The unlikely pairing should pique curiosity before you even step in the door.

Inside, the clear definitions continue. The Len Lye is expansive and dramatic, demonstrating what an impressive feat of engineering this gallery is. Huge concrete walls swirl along one side mimicking the chrome exterior. You’ll find unconventionally shaped timber benches nestled along the outer perimeter inviting guests to take a seat and appreciate the aesthetic. A state-of-the-art cinema and educational suite are discreetly tucked away in this part of the building too. 

 Len Lye was a pioneer of kinetic art; a visionary before his time. The artist’s intriguing and large-scale creations have been brought to life right here in New Plymouth. A collection of his detailed and elaborate sketches were bequeathed to The Len Lye Foundation to allow the production of his kinetic sculptures to continue posthumously. A sloping corridor up to level 1 is adorned with photographs and multimedia chronicling the history of Len Lye’s life, including a short documentary about the man from the 1950s. Upstairs, you will be introduced to changing exhibitions of Len Lye’s other artworks, his pioneering films, paintings, drawings and photography.  

Transitioning over to the Govett-Brewster gallery is simple (in the form of a bridge walkway) and will take you into the wide world of contemporary art. With large white walls and generous spaces for contemplation, the gallery exhibits an exciting roster of both New Zealand and international artists. Knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to answer any questions, and a well-curated gift shop greets you upon arrival/departure. 

Dynamic, courageous and quite simply, unmissable.

Words by Kelly Tapper & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

42 Queen Street, New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth

Nearby Places

The Jewel and the Jeweller

Interior view of The Jewel and The Jeweller, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki Editor's Pick
Fashion key icon.

For the art lovers amongst us, The Jewel and The Jeweller in New Plymouth’s Quarter Bank Prencinct is a treasure trove of delights.

Itch Wine Bar

Man up a ladder retrieving bottle of spirits at Itch Wine Bar, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Bars key icon.

Every town deserves a late-night wine bar as good as New Plymouth's Itch.

Three Sisters Brewery

Glass of beer on the counter at Three Sisters Brewing, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Bars key icon.

Three Sisters Brewery is a local brewery doing marvellous things with, you’ve guessed it, beer.

Fork N Knife

Bench seat with cushions at Fork N Knife, New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Restaurants key icon.

Tucked in behind The Arizona, you’ll discover Fork N Knife, an intimate private function space that goes the distance when it comes to contemporary New Zealand cuisine.

Similar Places

The Collaboration

A counter inside a retail store in New Plymouth.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Galleries and museum key icon.

On first glimpse, The Collaboration in New Plymouth could be passed off as just another beautiful space showcasing and selling artwork.

Tawhiti Museum

Traders and Whalers sign at Tawhiti Museum, Taranaki.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki Hāwera
Galleries and museum key icon.

Tawhiti Museum is unlike any other provincial museum in New Zealand as it is the amalgamation of one man's dedicated heritage project.

Fenton Art Collective

Landscape on an easel at Fenton Art Collective, Taranaki.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Cafes key icon. Galleries and museum key icon.

What do you get if you put art, history, gin and espresso under one roof? An eclectic melting pot like Fenton Art Collective in Taranaki.

Puke Ariki

An interactive space within Puke Ariki.
Place New Plymouth & Taranaki
Galleries and museum key icon.

Spend any time in New Plymouth and you’ll see the signposts for Puke Ariki, a dedicated hub that comprises a museum, library and research centre that shares the...