The Art Scene in Retirement: Museums, Galleries, and More

One of the joys of retirement is finally being able to see the things you’ve looked at a thousand times, and thought “I’ll do that, one day”.  Work makes life so busy that we have to leave most of the world unexplored in order to get what needs to be done, done. Now that you have the time, it’s finally the right moment to explore the culture and history you’ve had to put on the backburner for so long. 

Benefits of Visiting Museums and Galleries in Retirement

As well as finally getting to satisfy your curiosity about what lies behind closed doors, visiting museums and art galleries has a wide range of benefits. Learning doesn’t stop when we reach a certain age, and visiting museums and galleries allows us to form a deeper connection with the culture surrounding us. 

Local exhibitions are a great way to find others with similar interests as you. If you’re artistically inclined, local art galleries often know about community projects active in your area. Community groups may have access to resources individuals can’t obtain, and working with others is great for building a sense of community. 

Recommended Experiences for Retirees

Auckland

Auckland War Memorial Museum

One of the largest museums in New Zealand, this museum offers an ever-changing lineup of impressive and inspiring exhibitions. Permanent exhibits include a variety of treasures from pacific cultures, New Zealand natural and social history, and military history.

Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland

+64 9 309 0443

Sculptureum

With three sculptural gardens and six indoor art galleries, this spacious estate offers plenty to see. If you get hungry, the on-site award-winning Rothko restaurant offers a selection of seasonal delights, or there are open areas suited for picnicking. Wine aficionados may find themselves preferring a tour of the 14 acre vineyard, complete with wine tastings.

40 Omaha Flats Road, Auckland

+64 9 422 7375

Tauranga

Tauranga Art Gallery

Tauranga Art Gallery offers a rotation of art exhibitions showcasing local artists, often hosting exhibitions which offer insights into the world of mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge and arts) beside modern, large-scale installations designed to create a sense of awe and provoke thought.

Regular art workshops are held, with upcoming events including Breathwork with Camella Drema, and Sunday creative workshops with local artist Paul Darragh.

Corner Wharf and Willow Streets, Tauranga

+64 7 578 7933

He Puna Manawa - Heritage & Research

Explore the rich history of Aotearoa with collections documenting time periods from early Māori settlers through to the modern day. Significant events in the history of Tauranga such as settlement by Māori, the Musket Wars, the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, World War 1 and 2, and horticultural and agricultural advances. 

21 Devonport Road, Tauranga

+64 7 577 7177

Christchurch

The Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities 

More than three thousand years of history are showcased in this collection of artifacts from Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures. Highlights include a number of intact painted Greek amphorae, lip cups, and other Greek pottery over 2500 years old. 

Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities, 3 Hereford St, Christchurch

+64 3 369 5025

Christchurch Art Gallery - Te Puna o Waiwhetū

The stunning glass facade of Christchurch Art Gallery lies only a ten minute drive from our Fendalton retirement village. If you live in the area, try popping in for a weekly Art Bite. These 30 minute presentations focus on a single work, so you can have a quick dip into the exhibition without having to tour the whole area.  

Helpful Tips and Tricks

• Sometimes the exhibit you’re interested in is closed, or maybe it turns out it wasn’t actually as interesting as you expected. Having an unrelated nearby place of interest to visit can stop the trip from feeling wasted. 
• Visits to new places are an excellent excuse to try out the nearby cafes. Remember to stay hydrated! 
• Sometimes it can be a bit much to walk around an art gallery for two hours. Keep an eye out for places that look good for a rest, where you can chat with a friend about what you’ve seen so far, or take your time to contemplate a particular work.
• You don’t need to have company to go to an art exhibition or museum. Going by yourself means you can take as long as you like to look at what’s interesting, and completely skip what isn’t.
• Retirement villages in New Zealand often arrange for residents to take group tours around local galleries. This is a great chance to get out there and discuss art with like-minded people, while someone else sorts out the transport.

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