Last updated June 2026
The Arts Village is Rotorua’s community arts centre, located at 1240 Hinemaru Street on the corner of Hinemoa and Hinemaru streets in the CBD. A purpose-built facility, it brings together three galleries, a pottery studio, a co-operative arts shop, and the on-site cafe under one roof. The Arts Village hosts a regular calendar of exhibitions, workshops, artist residencies, community events, and artisan markets, making it the most concentrated hub for the visual arts in Rotorua.
Practical Information
| Address | 1240 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua (corner of Hinemoa and Hinemaru Streets) |
| Gallery / office hours | Tuesday–Friday 9:00am–4:30pm; Saturday 10:00am–2:00pm; closed Monday, Sunday, and Public Holidays |
| Cafe | Monday–Sunday 8:30am–2:00pm (open 7 days) |
| Arts Village shop | Monday–Friday 10:00am–2:00pm; Saturday–Sunday 9:00am–2:00pm |
| Entry | Free — gallery admission is free; charges apply for workshops |
| Website | artsvillage.org.nz |
About The Arts Village
The Arts Village is a purpose-built community cultural centre focused on art, craft and culture in central Rotorua. It provides dedicated spaces for local arts and cultural groups and serves as a venue for exhibitions, workshops, residencies and markets throughout the year.
The centre supports both established and emerging artists through studio access, exhibition opportunities and connections with the wider creative community. Its central location makes it easily accessible for visitors exploring the CBD and nearby lakefront attractions.
Regular programming includes family-friendly activities, artist talks and community exhibitions that reflect Rotorua’s diverse creative scene. The facility is wheelchair accessible and offers on-site parking.
Galleries and Exhibitions
The Arts Village houses three gallery spaces that rotate through exhibitions of contemporary New Zealand art, craft, and visual arts. The galleries show work by local, regional, and national artists across media including painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography, and sculpture. Exhibitions change regularly — check the website for the current programme before visiting. Gallery entry is free.
Studios and Creative Spaces
The pottery studio is available for classes and workshops, with tuition for beginners through to more experienced potters. The co-operative art shop sells original work by member artists — a direct way to purchase art that supports the local creative community. Artist residencies are offered for established and emerging artists, providing dedicated studio time and connection with Rotorua’s arts community.
Cafe
The on-site cafe operates seven days a week from 8:30am to 2pm, making it one of the more accessible stops in the building regardless of the gallery programme. The cafe is a relaxed space that draws both arts visitors and the wider CBD crowd. It serves as a natural complement to a gallery visit or a starting point for a morning in the area.
Events and Community Activities
The Arts Village runs a community-oriented programme of events throughout the year, including artisan markets, family-friendly workshops, community exhibitions, and author or artist talks. It is one of the primary venues for Creative Rotorua events and is actively involved in the city’s wider creative sector through connections with arts organisations and practitioners across the region.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the welcoming community atmosphere and the chance to see and buy original local artwork in a relaxed setting. Many enjoy combining a gallery visit with coffee at the on-site cafe, noting the positive energy and variety of creative activities on offer.
Reviewers often highlight the centre as a peaceful spot to explore contemporary New Zealand art and support local makers. The pottery workshops and rotating exhibitions receive frequent mentions for their accessibility to beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Where to Learn More
The Arts Village — Official Website: current exhibitions, workshop schedule, studio information, and event calendar.
RotoruaNZ — The Arts Village: visitor overview from the official Rotorua tourism website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Arts Village in Rotorua?
At 1240 Hinemaru Street, on the corner of Hinemoa and Hinemaru Streets in the Rotorua CBD — a short walk from the main shopping area and the lakefront.
Is entry to the galleries free?
Yes — gallery entry is free. Workshops and classes may have fees; check the website for current pricing and booking.
What are the opening hours?
The gallery and office are open Tuesday to Friday 9am–4:30pm and Saturday 10am–2pm. The cafe is open seven days 8:30am–2pm. The arts shop opens Monday to Friday 10am–2pm and Saturday to Sunday 9am–2pm.
Can I buy art at The Arts Village?
Yes — the co-operative art shop sells original works by member artists. Exhibitions in the galleries sometimes also include works for sale.
Are there workshops for beginners?
Yes — pottery classes and other workshops are available for beginners as well as more experienced participants. Check the website for the current schedule.
Does The Arts Village have a café?
Yes — the on-site cafe is open seven days a week from 8:30am to 2pm.
Is The Arts Village wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the facility offers wheelchair access and on-site parking.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are not permitted inside the galleries or cafe; assistance dogs are welcome.
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