Pātaka Art + Museum
Standing proudly in Porirua’s cultural precinct, Pātaka Art + Museum is a world-leading gallery dedicated to Māori, Pacific, New Zealand, and international art
Where
Porirua
Contact
Pātaka Art + Museum is Porirua’s artistic hub. Its contemporary galleries host a revolving exhibition programme celebrating Māori, Pacific, and Aotearoa New Zealand culture. Once you’ve taken in the art, enjoy a coffee or lunch at Cafe Kaizen and peruse the local library and gallery shop, Toi Store.
As you step inside the atrium of Pātaka Art + Museum it’s hard not to feel inspired by Michel Tuffery’s iconic bull sculpture. A renowned Wellington artist, Tuffery crafted the sculpture from recycled cans of corned-beef. The piece makes a statement on how this imported, high-fat food historically undermined local fishing, cultivation, and cooking skills in the Pacific.
Take in the Contemporary Galleries
Meaning “storehouse”, Pātaka houses a vast collection within its four main galleries. The national and international shows are ever-changing, so one visit is never enough. In the Front Gallery you’ll find the leading exhibition of the season. The Daylight Gallery is home to the semi-permanent exhibition, Whiti Te Rā!, the Story of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Porirua’s iwi. Venture through the different aspects of the West Gallery for larger, often more experimental exhibits, and finish in the Maude & Miller Gallery – a contemplative space to reflect and admire the artwork.
But that’s not all – Bottle Creek Gallery is a haven of pieces from local artists and community groups, with exhibits changing up to nine times a year. For the kids, Tuatara Gallery is a must. It offers an accessible, interactive area to learn about the history of Ngāti Toa. And the commercial space, Toi Gallery offers the opportunity to purchase the pieces on display.
Relax at Cafe Kaizen
When it’s time to rest your legs there’s no better place than Cafe Kaizen, right on site. With a mantra of “harmony through positive eating” you won’t find a more zen spot to enjoy a flat white and some delicious kai. As you refuel you’ll overlook a tranquil Japanese garden which has been created in the karesanui style and developed in honour of Porirua City’s sister city, Nishio in Japan.
Time your visit right and you might catch the Artisan Craft Market – generally held on the third Sunday of the month. So what are you waiting for? Entry and parking is free and there’s something for all ages and abilities.
