Introduction

 

This social story tells me what to expect during my visit.  

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki has one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most inspiring collections of visual art. 

I can experience all kinds of paintings, photographs, drawings, videos, sculptures and installations from Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific and all around the world.  

Some artworks are very old. Some artworks are new. Some artworks are small and some are big installations.

 

 

Every visit to the Gallery can be different because the artworks and exhibitions change regularly. 

Relaxed hours

The Gallery has relaxed hours most Tuesdays from 3 to 5pm. I can check when relaxed hours are happening on the event webpage.

During relaxed hours, the Gallery may be quieter and less busy than at other times. 

Some lights may be dimmed. Sounds and flashing lights that might feel overwhelming may be reduced where possible. Some lights and sounds will still be in the Gallery. 

Signs will let me know before I enter spaces with strong lights, sounds or moving images.  

I can visit during relaxed hours if I like a quieter time at the Gallery. Other people will also visit during relaxed hours.  

Arriving at the Gallery 

I can get to the Gallery in different ways. I might travel by bus, train, ferry, car, bike or taxi. 

I can check the Auckland Transport website before I visit. This can help me plan the best way to get to the Gallery. 

If I come by car, there are public and private car parks nearby. If I come by taxi, I can be picked up or dropped off in front of the Gallery on Kitchener Street. 

 

 

When I arrive, I go to the Gallery’s entrance on Kitchener Street. The entrance is under the large architectural kauri canopy. 

 

 

 

There are 2 revolving doors at the entrance. There are also 3 accessible doors located beside the Gallery’s main revolving doors.  

 

 

To open an accessible door, I press the small round button on the grey metal stand beside each door. I wait for the door to fully open.

 

 

When the door is open, I go through the door into the Gallery foyer. There may be other visitors entering or leaving the Gallery. 

There may be a security guard near the entrance. Security guards help keep people and artworks safe. I can talk to a security guard if I need help. They also know what to do in an emergency. 

Front desk 

When I enter the Gallery, I will see the front desk. Gallery assistants are at the front desk and around the building. They may not be the same people every day.

 

 

Gallery assistants wear black T-shirts or jackets with a Gallery art toi logo. They are there to help visitors. I can ask them for directions to places like the toilets, lifts or exhibitions.

 

 

I can also ask them about the artworks on display. If I feel unsure, overwhelmed or need support, I can ask a Gallery assistant for help. 

I can experience the NZSL welcome video which outlines more information about the Gallery. I can also ask the staff for a whiteboard to communicate with them, should I not want to talk.

 

 

 

 

Cloakroom 

I can leave my coat, bag, backpack or umbrella in the free cloakroom behind the front desk.

 

 

Backpacks and umbrellas must be left in the cloakroom. 

I cannot take food and drinks, including water, into the gallery spaces. This helps to protect the artworks.  

I can eat or drink in the café on Level 1, outside the front of the building on the forecourt, or outside on the East Terrace on level 2. 

 

 

 

 

Exploring the Gallery 

I can move around the four levels of the Gallery using stairs or lifts. 

The lifts have an automated voice that tells me what level I am on. 

When I enter a gallery space, I will see artworks on display. Some artworks are on the walls, some are on the floor or are hanging from the ceiling. Some artworks may have sound, light or video. Some may move. 

When I follow the rules in the Gallery I am helping to keep the artworks and visitors safe. 

I will move through the gallery spaces slowly. I will not touch the artworks unless a sign says I can. I will stay behind black lines or barriers. 

I can take photos in many parts of the Gallery. When I take photos, I will not use the camera flash. Exhibitions that do not allow photography will have signs.  

If I am unsure, I can ask a Gallery assistant. 

The Gallery can sometimes be quiet. The Gallery can sometimes be busy. 

There may be other visitors, school groups, tours or events happening while I am there. 

If I feel overwhelmed, I can ask a Gallery assistant for help. 

I can also take a break at any time. I can visit the chill space in the library on the mezzanine level.

 

 

I can experience as many artworks or as few artworks as I want.  

I can sit down where seating is available or ask a Gallery assistant for a folding chair.

 

 

Leaving the Gallery

I can stay in the Gallery until 5pm and then it is time to go.  

When I am ready to leave, I take the lift or the stairs back to the ground floor.  

If I left belongings in the cloakroom, I collect them from the front desk. 

I can leave through the exit revolving door or through the accessible doors.