Education Visits
Ka tangi te wharauroa, ko ngā karere a mahuru.
If the shining cuckoo cries, it is the messenger of spring.
When the pīpīwharauroa sings “Kui! Kui! Kui!” this is to signify that it is time to plant crops. Closer to summer this song turns to “Kui! Kui! Kui! Whiti whiti ora” telling the people that all is well and food supplies are ready.
The Gallery is an exciting destination for school visits and learning, offering in-gallery and hands-on programmes for classes at all levels as well as the option for us to come to you or meet you offsite.
Welcome to the Gallery
The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre offers an exciting range of education programme options, based on its exhibitions and other art events. Our programmes offer an exciting mix of hands on and gallery-based learning, and change each term or as the exhibitions change.
All of our school programmes are free, and we can cater for all ages and abilities. Please feel free to contact us on 06 759 0858 or gbeducation@govettbrewster.com if you want to discuss a school visit or access to other education programmes.
We look forward to seeing you at the Gallery!
Chris Barry, Tara-Lee Manu and Rebecca Fawkner
The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery's Education Team
Tel: 06 759 0858 or email: gbeducation@govettbrewster.com
School programmes by the Gallery’s education team take place throughout the exhibitions and include hands-on learning for students of all levels. During their visit, students are able to use purpose-built education studios in the Todd Energy Learning Centre. All resources are provided. We can also visit your school or meet your offsite.
Start your planning by looking at exhibitions and school lessons. If you would like to discuss other options including delivery in Te Reo, further developing detailed content, or discussing the format of your visit, our education team is happy to help.
The Gallery is open seven days, 10am-5pm, for general viewing. School groups may book an earlier start time on Monday to Friday by arrangement.
Our education team is happy to be part of class rotations with other EOTC providers, including Puke Ariki. Contact the team with your special requests.
A visit to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience inspired by contemporary art and rooted in New Zealand’s curriculum, the programme fosters cultural understanding, creative expression, and interdisciplinary thinking, making it a powerful addition to any term plan.
School programmes by the Gallery’s education team take place throughout the exhibitions and include hands-on learning for students of all levels. During their visit, students are able to use purpose-built education studios in the Todd Energy Learning Centre. All resources are provided. We can also offer to visit your school or meet your offsite.
Start your planning by looking at exhibitions and school lessons If you would like to discuss other options including delivery in Te Reo, further developing detailed content, or discussing the format of your visit, our education team is happy to help.
The Gallery is open seven days, 10am-5pm, for general viewing.
School groups may book an earlier start time on Monday to Friday by arrangement.
Our education team is happy to be part of class rotations with other EOTC providers, including Puke Ariki. Contact the team with your special requests.
Space for Te Reo options for ākonga in the Gallery in 2025.
There is no charge for educational visits to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre. Koha is appreciated.
Adults accompanying a school group do not pay an entry charge.
The Gallery gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Education through its Enriching Local Curriculum (ELC).
The Gallery and Puke Ariki, through the generous support of the Govett-Brewster Foundation and Puke Ariki Trust, can support bus transport costs for eligible primary and secondary schools across Taranaki.
Schools with a Ministry of Education EQI number above 460 are eligible.
For more information on the bus subsidy and your eligibility visit Puke Ariki | Subsidised Education Bus.
Booking is essential. Browse the lessons section and complete the online booking form at the bottom of the page or get in touch with the Education Team to discuss other options.
Before you book, please read our Visiting Guidelines for Schools document which includes a Risk Assessment and Management plan.
Once a booking enquiry is received teachers are sent a booking confirmation and pre- and post- visit information to complement the visit and to link with the New Zealand Curriculum Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.
The Gallery offers a number of education opportunities beyond school visits, including our regular Young Visionaries after school art classes, school holiday programmes, Monica Brewster Evening speaker events, and Family Art sessions.
To find out more about these programmes, visit What’s On.
Hōtaka Manakohi | Education Lessons
All lessons are led by Gallery educators and take place in the gallery spaces, with hands-on activities in the Todd Energy Learning Centre when time allows. Alternatively one of our educators can come and visit you or meet you for a session offsite.
The descriptions below indicate what you can expect from each session. Please note that some lessons can be adapted for your class age group and area of focus – simply chat with our team.
To discuss our programmes or for more information email gbeducation@govettbrewster.com or phone (06) 759 0858.
To book your visit, complete the form below.
Ngā wheako mā ngā Akonga Kura Tuatahi / Early Childhood, Primary and Intermediate School Lessons
Primary and intermediate school lessons are led by Gallery educators and take place in the gallery spaces, with hands-on activities in the Learning Centre when time allows. We welcome early childhood groups - contact us and let’s collaborate to select an exhibition and learning experiences for your ākonga - many lessons can be adapted, including kaupapa Māori and reo Māori.
Ngā wheako mā Akonga Kura Tuarua | Secondary School Programme
Secondary school visits to the Govett-Brewster are most successful when teachers and Gallery educators collaborate. To inspire your programme we can shape a lesson specifically for your students from Year 9+. Selected exhibition themes are described by curriculum area and can be developed into a tour with worksheets, creative group activities or extended in the Learning Centre into workshops.
