Forrester Gallery, Oamaru: Hours, Address, Forrester Gallery Reviews: 4.5/5
Forrester Gallery
Forrester Gallery
4.5
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
About
The Forrester Gallery is housed in a spectacular neo-classical building originally constructed in 1884 for the Bank of New South Wales. The Forrester offers the Waitaki and wider region a varied and exciting exhibition programme, houses a growing collection of artworks significant to the region, and stands as an icon of Oamaru's unique historic precinct.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
16 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
5
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
cpcog
Wellington, New Zealand1,329 contributions
Dec 2021
We didn't enter the building but just walk by. It is lovely to see such building in NZ while it isn't that common here.
Written 6 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Grant N
Hastings, New Zealand1,266 contributions
Apr 2021
Stopped in while wandering around the precinct - nice clean and spacious areas - bit of a climb to the upper floor - but worth a look. Some items were interesting to me - a lot weren't but there was plenty to meet most tastes. Worth a look
Written 21 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GreatTraveller2014
Wellington, New Zealand84 contributions
Oct 2020
Worth going in, not only to see the exhibition but to look at the beautiful building. Nothing like it in the rest of New Zealand!
Written 1 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Eli B
Sydney, Australia3,697 contributions
Oct 2019
The temple-like former banks facade is a drawcard but the gallery within celebrates one of the country’s most significant modern artist, Colin McCahon and also the best collection of regional and NZ art
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fergus P
Christchurch, New Zealand174 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
The Forrester Gallery provides a wonderfully gracious opportunity to connect with art, history and culture. The splendid building itself is enough to arrest one's attention for a goodly length of time before venturing through the doors to enjoy a kaleidoscope of artistic experiences. Don't rush. Just dally .....
Written 21 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for taking the time to review the Forrester Gallery.
Written 22 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jeff M
Auckland, New Zealand374 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
The lady at the front desk was friendly. There were some really great exhibits when I visited - the hand coloured photographs of central Otago were really interesting. The grip-tape portraits were also very good. The building itself is also pretty cool.
Written 20 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for taking the time to review our gallery.
Written 22 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michael A
Christchurch, New Zealand38 contributions
Jun 2018
Wonderful paintings by people of Otago region and else where. Nice ones Evelyn Paige and others. Why visit well many reasons to do so===You know, they say the best things in life are free. This is a fantastic reason to visit this art gallery. All you have to do leave your fear at the door, walk in, smile, say hello to your greeter, quietly walk around and enjoy your visual feast. It's free of charge. What could be better?
Written 19 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review of the Forrester Gallery. We appreciate it.
Written 1 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A Y
Hong Kong, China310 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
I would give it 4 star for its beautiful architecture. It is a 19th century neoclassical building, restored and converted from a former bank to an art gallery. It was built with beautiful white stones from the region. Together with other neoclassical buildings in the vicinity, it oozes elegance in the centre of Oamaru.
At the time of visit (entry is free), there was a small exhibition on the paintings of an NZ painter, plus another on the moa bird.
It is a venue for arts and culture and citizen engagement for the local community.
If you are there, don't forget to check out the beautiful ceiling.
At the time of visit (entry is free), there was a small exhibition on the paintings of an NZ painter, plus another on the moa bird.
It is a venue for arts and culture and citizen engagement for the local community.
If you are there, don't forget to check out the beautiful ceiling.
Written 24 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for taking the time to post a review of the Forrester Gallery. We are glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written 2 April 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SanFranciscoGuy634
Sarasota, FL1,123 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
The Forrester Galley is obviously popular with the Oamaru community. The afternoon we visited it was hosting an opening of works by a local artist, complete with string quartet. The volunteer at the front desk was enthusiastic and welcoming.
Written 20 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for taking the time to review our gallery.
Written 23 October 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rme48
Oamaru, New Zealand390 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
I visited with my 11 year old grandson. We thoroughly enjoyed it, lots to discuss and learn about, everything is set out very well and a great variety of exhibits. Is definitely something we will do again. I do recommend it.
Written 22 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for taking the time to review the Forrester Gallery. So glad you and your grandson enjoyed your visit.
Written 24 May 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Frequently Asked Questions about Forrester Gallery
- Forrester Gallery is open:
- Tue - Fri 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Forrester Gallery:
- (0.03 km) Empire Hotel Backpackers
- (0.16 km) Criterion Hotel
- (0.22 km) The Old Confectionery
- (0.31 km) Brydone Hotel Oamaru
- (0.29 km) Forrester House
- Restaurants near Forrester Gallery:
- (0.02 km) Steam Cafe
- (0.04 km) The Last Post Pub & Restaurant
- (0.10 km) Cucina
- (0.09 km) Star and Garter
- (0.11 km) Tees Street Cafe