The Dowse Art Museum
The Dowse, as it’s known by locals, opened in 1971.
Its focus was on studio craft, including ceramics, textiles, and weaving, which was unusual for art galleries at the time. The museum has continued to carve out a niche in the applied arts. It now has one of the largest collections of this kind in New Zealand with more than 3,500 objects. It’s considered a pioneer in the presentation of art forms underrepresented and underappreciated in the mainstream art world. Visitors can explore The Dowse for free and enjoy contemporary art and culture.