Explore the Gallery with the whānau
The Gallery is full of stories and secret spots to ignite young imaginations. Families of all shapes and sizes are welcome. Bring the tamariki (kids) and begin an adventure together discovering art.
Get creative with hands-on art-making sessions and interactive activities or explore the Gallery as a family with one of our free activity guides for tamariki or our interactive gallery game.
Kids and whānau create
Kids and whānau create sessions
Our free create sessions offer tamariki a chance to make their own artworks, inspired by the art they see in the Gallery. Kids and Whānau Create sessions run every weekend and every day during school holidays. Activities change monthly. See the event listing for more information.
Te Aka Matua | The Creative Learning Centre
Te Aka Matua | The Creative Learning Centre is a family-friendly space with fun, hands-on activities for children of all ages. The centre encourages tamariki and whānau to engage with art and develop their own creative voice. Located on the mezzanine floor, the space is open daily 10am to 5pm and is free to visit.
Programming partner
Find out more about our current project at Te Aka Matua, Artland: An Installation by Do Ho Suh and children. The project is a collaborative, hands-on installation designed by Do Ho Suh with his young daughters.
Artland is an evolving sculptural environment created from children’s modelling clay. The installation features imaginative creatures and fantastical landscapes including Noodlegrass, Blobbugs, Spocky Trees and Slimes. We invite visitors of all ages to come and make their own sculptures of clay to add to this interactive display.
The project is supported by the Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust.
Creative Learning Centre fun
Frequently asked questions
Babies and toddlers can be fed in the seating areas in Te Ātea | North Atrium (next to Te Ata Matua | The Creative Learning Centre) or the main foyer.
People who breastfeed are welcome to feed their babies on any of the public seating in the galleries. If you wish for a more private spot, there is a chair available in the accessible bathroom on the Mezzanine floor.
Please note that to protect the art, food and drink is not permitted elsewhere inside the Gallery. Food and drink can be enjoyed on the East Terrace on the second floor, which is sheltered and has heating for rainy, cold days. You are welcome to store your food or drink in the Gallery’s cloakroom while visiting until you’re ready for a break. Refreshments are also available to purchase in the café.
All children under the age of 14 must be supervised at all times while in the Gallery.
Baby changing facilities can be found in the accessible bathrooms on the Lower Ground, Ground and Mezzanine levels.
Baby strollers are welcome at all times and must be in the control of an adult. Children are not permitted to push strollers in the Gallery.