Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Reviews

Love this gallery, we have visited 4 times and each time there has been a different Len Lye exhibition, well worth a visit.

kinetic sculptures that make us think. Building architecturally suits its purpose being amazing on the inside as well.

Breathtakingly beautiful building, very knowledgeable helpful museum staff and interesting exhibitions. Highly recommend.

What was there was good. Lacking exhibits and in terms of reputation / expectations, a little underwhelming unfortunately.

Amazing building for itself. A highlight of NZ at architecture.

Unbelievably awesome. The mirror is so clear and inside of govett is amazing.

The museum is amazing.
There should definitely be a $20 door charge which would help a whole lot with the financing. People from overseas are used to paying entry charges and even New Zealanders I believe would be happy to pay.
I am from Blenheim and this was the highlight of my North Island tour last year.
Lizi Bowie.

Very cool art works, great work and would love to come back

Love this art gallery, very family friendly place, will visit again.

Just amazing art. Certainly not to everyone's taste and I can understand why some people are disappointed or upset about it, but I prefer being made to think about art than just 'like it'.

When I left, I closed the door and took a few photos outside. I look forward to seeing it when I go next time.

What an incredible piece of architecture! A must see if you visit this fascinating and picturesque city.

You have visited a few times now, there are always new displays to look at. I would recommend allowing plenty of time when coming to visit, because you can often get engrossed in the displays that time flies by. The displays are simply incredible, and it amazes me how many they have to be able to change them as frequently as they do.

Got a parking ticket for parking close to the gallery. Should be one hour parking near the gallery not 30 mins so we have time to enjoy.

We were given good information about Len. Lye and his works by Ellie.

Well curated, socially progressive agenda, good for kids, classy resteraunt

Not bad for a free museum. While it is focused towards a younger crowd, I still enjoyed many of the exhibits and learning about the Maori culture.

Always has new pieces from different artist is totally amazing love this place

Interesting architecture doesn't do much to fill the void of vague and ill exhibited art. Big Bang Theory and Convolutions were the only ones worth the visit. The rest seems as though someone wondered through and left odd bits and bobs dotted about the place.

Jan2021:The contrast of the outside to the inside is huge. From the "look at me" statement, to the cool peaceful spaces...
Bit surprised at the price for an adult $15.00. BUT, I enjoyed what I saw.
Easy access. Left or right will lead the the middle chamber.
The history behind the works are interesting. To see them beautiful.
The exhibition on Taranaki history worthwhile slowing down, reading the briefs and looking again at the art. Thank you.

If your into art, this is your place. Tickets last 24hrs.

Challenging art exhibition but well and differently delivered. Thought provoking. A must see.

This exhibition did not wow me.
When searching for rhyme and reason I can maybe come to understand the obsession with the dynamics of of metal sheets and rings moving.
The size of one exhibit was a surprise though. Liking or not liking it is is something one can only decide for oneself.

Beautiful building. Visitors souvenir shop inside. Great art exhibitions.

Yes, this is a beautiful building. We enjoyed our time here. Thanks!

Free entry, they change it around so theres different stuff to see. Interesting, good for a rainy day. Might be a bit boring for little kids tho.

I love the Len lye exhibitions and displays of other artists work. The staff are helpful, knowledgeable but unobtrusive unless approached.

A bit confusing disappointed, would have been good to know when exhibits worked to time our visit better.

Look out at the street from behind the concrete pillars. Lie down and look up At the waving rods. The light travelling up looks different from the floor.

It s a good place for family, staff are very friendly, there are no information on the art(which was confusing) it s expensive for non- residents as there are not much to see

Well made and interesting place but not much to see and is very bare

Very extravagant exterior, drawing people in from all over the country. The inside is slightly less impressive but the works from Len Lye are great. The charge is slightly overpriced, but still worth it.

I visited this gallery with my family and friends. it was great experience.

Amazing architecture with interesting exhibits inside. It's free so definitely worth a visit!

Interesting but I think a bit overrated. Building well done.

Amazing building and 10 out of 10 for that. The artwork, well not so good

Too confusing. Worst wayfaring signage in a public building I have ever experienced. You can see it all in 10 minutes. More staff than visitors. No way it's worth $15 pp. One to miss.

The architecture itself is a great piece of art! The centre is not big, there's only 'Four Fountains' on display when we were there, nevertheless, we still enjoyed our time exploring the interesting architectural space, definitely worth the visit.

We visited her on holiday and whilst it was a fantastic experience in a very well presented gallery we did feel that much of the artwork was on loan and absent. Would have loved to have seen a more comprehensive collection.

A New Zealand modern icon.
Building and arts.

Super place to be for a magic Len Lye experience. Super accommodating staff. Well done.

Impressive set of displays for a "free" (voluntary contribution accepted ... and recommended by me). Loved the aluminum band and ball.

Fantastic modern art gallery with extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff. A real pleasant surprise to stumble upon.

Even though there is nothing much to see apart from some thought provoking photographs and paintings. But full marks to the architecture. Its absolutely stunning and astonishing. Situated right in the heart of New Plymouth and next to the clock tower. Could be easily be the iconic building of the town. Definitely worth checking out this museum.

Bell Wand Fiberglass bells at Govett-Brewster Art Gallery

It was great to see Len Lyes Trinity at 11am or 2pm

$15 for the entry is a legalised robbery. Half of the gallery was also not accessible due to a private event. I came few years ago and it wasn t like that. Extremely disappointed.

Most of it was under construction so not able to make the most of it

Small but perfectly formed, great asset for New, Plymouth

Great gallery in the heart of new Plymouth city. $15 addition.

Lovely friendly staff and great exhibitions. The building is worth seeing even if you don't see the exhibitions if you like stunning architect.

Magnificent gallery spaces, deserve a few more exhibits to fill them

Beautiful building, helpful staff, interesting displays. And it's free donations advised. But honestly I was a little underwhelmed, it's rather empty.

Building awesome but art gallery was waste of money

Really enjoyed the experience. A must visit place in New Plymouth.

This museum is practically a waste of time, and the $15 entrance fee is an extortionate insult to patrons.

For example, I visited knowing little about Len Lye and was eager to learn about and admire his works, yet left knowing nothing about him. The exhibitions are disjointed and confused, making no cohesive sense from space to space.

A pride of place display was given to a tired and outdated feature on Tom Cruise and The Last Samurai, which was filmed locally in 2003 - over 15 years ago. Who cares???

As a regular patron of international and national arts, I'm appalled by such a prohibitive price being attached for entrance when there are far better galleries nationwide that are free or via Koha. Also noted that this museum was asking for FURTHER donations on entry despite collecting a fee.

The staff are overbearing and largely hostile, an unenjoyable experience overall.

Rubbish.

Really cool building and definitely interesting work inside. Did not maximise the space available and not really much art on display.

complete waste of space. ok if you want washing on the line or childrens scribble. Staff brilliant. But I guess you do need good sense of humor to work there

Beautiful gallery from the outside with great architectural glass design. We enjoyed the work of Len Lye