The 10 Best Museums in Nelson, South Island

Korimako Studio gives visitors the opportunity to meet local artist Jan Thomson at work and view her paintings (both acrylic and watercolour), often local landscapes.The studio is open 10am-5pm most days- visitors are welcome to phone or email first to check.

Fairholme Gallery is a fine art gallery set in one of the oldest settler homesteads of Golden Bay up the beautiful farmland of East Takaka Road. It offers a unique showcase of artwork from within and beyond Golden Bay in group, solo and inhouse shows within a wild and beautiful heritage garden setting.

Wall To Wall Art Nelson (formerly known as Art@203 Gallery) is a light, bright, vibrant and colourful gallery in central Nelson run by a collective of 12 passionate local artists, together with selected guests, offering a huge variety of amazing artworks, art cards, prints and gifts.

The Quiet Dog Gallery is one of Nelson's leading dealer galleries specialising in quality New Zealand contemporary art. The gallery is in a fabulous industrial space with a 5m high ceiling and concrete floors. Alongside is The Framing Rooms, a sister business that offers bespoke picture framing.

ATELIER Studio|Gallery is an initiative that supports, represents, and promotes contemporary artists of faith. ATELIER runs a monthly exhibition programme that presents solo, collaborative, and group exhibitions of represented artists and new, emerging talent. ATELIER is a community where art, creativity, and faith connect.

Established in 2018 Frost and Fire is a vibrant gallery showcasing a large display of Darryl Frost’s Anagama Wood-fired Ceramics. We also pride ourselves on promoting a variety of Contemporary Artworks representing a range of artists of a very high standard that is also affordable. In our short life we are gathering a loyal following of customers locally, nationally and internationally. A short 40 minute drive from Nelson in the small town of Tasman, it is well worth the visit.

150+ immaculate cars from more than 100 years of motoring Nelson Classic Car Museum is one of the finest private collections in New Zealand. From the little 1908 Renault AX, to classics of the 1950s including Vauxhalls, Triumphs and Cadillacs, through to the exquisite mastery of Jaguar and Ferrari, the Museum is the place to marvel and admire an incredible collection of iconic cars. The Museum also includes a Cafe renowned for its tasty healthy treats and the Museum store is full of NZ art and jewellery designs. Open every day 10am - 4pm (except Christmas Day). Due to a company restructure during the Covid19 lock down The World of Wearable Art exhibition is no longer on display at this Museum. Please use the website worldofwearableart.com for further information and contact.