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Fully Certified
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
General Information
329 West Street, Ashburton 7700
03 307 7890
Opening Times - Check before visiting as might change
Open everyday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with late night Wednesday until 7:00 p.m.
Overview
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum is a vibrant and growing arts and cultural heritage destination in Hakatere Ashburton that is managed by the Ashburton District Council. This modern facility, also containing a learning centre, research room and family history group, is proudly situated on West Street overlooking the magnificent Ashburton Domain. Operated by 14 staff and 20+ volunteers, the team develop and deliver regular exhibitions, public events, education programmes and whānau-friendly activities. Highlights in the long-term, Hakatere history exhibition include a takata whenua display of significant stories and taonga, and an exhibit with irrigation-themed interactives exploring the district’s farming history.
Staff also care for the Ashburton Museum and Historical Society’s objects and community archives, the Ashburton District Council’s historical archives and the Ashburton Art Gallery Society’s collection of artworks of significance to Hakatere Ashburton and the wider Waitaha Canterbury region. Notable collections held by the Art Gallery and Museum include the work of award-winning children’s book author and illustrator David Elliot and the negative portfolios of well-known local photographers Gordon Binsted and Charles Tindall.
Notes for Cardholders
Please call or email us if you have any further questions about our facility or would like to organise a group visit. We would be happy to discuss how we can support you to have the best experience possible.
Hāpai Access Card holders will also receive a 10% discount on all full-priced items for sale in our gift shop, excluding artworks.
Standing and Queuing
If you are unable to queue and there is a queue anywhere, please get the attention of one of our friendly team and they will let you jump the queue.
Level Access
Our building has level access throughout, including one lift and accessible parking located just 10m away from the entrance, the best entrance is our main entrance.
Distances
Our building is large, however, there is plenty of seating throughout that you are welcome to use, our accessible parking is 10m from the main entrance. We have an onsite wheelchairs available for you to use which can be booked in advance or speak with one or team when you arrive and they will do their best to assist you.
Urgent Toilet Access
We have two accessible toilets, one on each floor of the building, and six standard toilets on the second floor. If you present this icon to us we will ensure you are next to use the toilet in a discrete way.
Disability Assist Dogs
We comply with the NZ law with respect to Disability Assistance Dogs. The staff will offer you water for your dog and will indicate the nearest place for the dog to relieve itself if required.
Essential Companions
We do not require payment to enter so your companion is more than welcome if they want to purchase something or not.
Difficulty Accessing Visual Information
The staff are well-informed about adapting their communication and assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Our staff will be able to advise on which current exhibitions or activities are most suitable for blind or low vision individuals i.e. exhibitions that have a significant tactile component.
Difficulty Accessing Audible Information
Through the training that the staff have done with the Hāpai Access Card, they are aware of how they can modify how they communicate with you.
This includes making sure you can see their face when speaking, speaking clearly, use of pen and paper and being patient.
The staff are aware of the NZ Relay service, so please use this if you think it appropriate when ringing if needed.
Hidden Disabilities
We welcome visits from individuals, large groups and organisations that may have specific accessibility needs. Please contact us in advance and we can arrange for a staff member to develop a free bespoke tour or activity related to our exhibitions that caters to your needs.
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