Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre

Art museum · New Plymouth

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre

Art museum · New Plymouth

42 Queen Street, New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth 4310, New Zealand

Highlights

Discover the Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth, a stunning architectural gem showcasing contemporary art and kinetic installations in a vibrant space.

42 Queen Street, New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth 4310, New Zealand Get directions

govettbrewster.com

@govettbrewster

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"A thrilling tribute to world-renowned New Zealand kinetic artist Len Lye (1901–1980), New Plymouth's Len Lye Centre is an integral part of the excellent Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. From the outside, the center's stunning architecture of shimmering mirrored curtains reflects nearby heritage buildings, and the fascinating interior is a labyrinth of ramps and walkways showcasing Lye's interesting kinetic constructions and innovative short films. Don't leave New Plymouth without also checking out his Wind Wand sculpture, a towering work on the city's often windswept oceanfront esplanade that's pushed and pulled by bold maritime breezes coming from the Tasman Sea."

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View Postcard for Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre

s s

Google

Small but mighty art gallery, very chill and feels great to be there, easily spend an hour or more. great place to visit especially on a rainy day. Located right in the centre of the town, next to the white hart hotel and a short walk from the centre city mall. Great interactive art work and craft areas for both the young and not so young. None New Plymouth residence will be charged a $15 admission. Super friendly staff, always keen to walk you through the art work, tell you about the artists, and discuss observations. Great experience, highly recommend.

Google

Went here on a rainy morning. For visitors it’s $15 each which is not bad. The exhibition was about Maori and Polynesian with their weaving and other stories to tell. The two lovely ladies were really accomodating and did a great job with explaining the art and story behind it. They also went beyond just that, expressing their opinions and views and really striking a conversation. I guess this is what art is about, it’s more than just the visuals. The place is spacious and well managed.

Steve W

Google

This was a really innovative gallery - small but a delight. Hadn't come across much digital art before, so that as really cool, particularly given the fusion with traditional art practices, and the Pacific tapa exhibition made me really appreciate how much effort goes into that beautiful traditional practice - 15 years work for one mat for example! Amazing...

Kat Smith

Google

The exhibition was of island weaving and print's, there was another exhibition too. It was very interesting to see up close these natural beautiful mats, hangings and the detailing. 7 ladies , took 7 months to create one hanging 😍

ATGC

Google

The building itself is very distinctive and well designed. There is a 15$ entry fee. The staffs are very friendly and helpful. The displays/ arts works of Len Lye are interesting and look unique. The staff will initiate the movement of the art pieces in certain time so you can fully understand the arts works. It is not for everyone and you can appreciate the futuristic arts of Len Lye. There is a small souvenir shop. Overall pleasant trip. P.s - there is no car park at the gallery and needs to park on the street parkings.

Malcolm Young

Google

2024: My gosh, that is one shiny building. One of the more striking buildings I've seen in NZ, which steals the spotlight from the exhibitions, as they pale in comparison. Most of the interior was rather empty, I guess with the focus on negative space..? The main art is the architecture.

Ivan Patterson

Google

Very disappointed. Paid $17 and there was a single Len Lye item on display, and it is only is 'functional' once a week on a Saturday. Save your money. Don't bother wasting your time seeing 3rd rate exhibits. A specialised gallery needs to have at least half their space displaying their speciality. I won't go again

Jim Baudino

Google

My family visited for the screening of a documentary 6 Inches of Soil in the Len Lye Theater. What a wonderful location and very well kept theater. While having popcorn 🍿 would have been a bonus, we appreciated the cleanliness. Every seat has a great view of the screen. There was a Q and A after which was nice as well.