Aigantighe Art Gallery

The Aigantighe Art Gallery was established in 1956 and is one of Timaru's unique attractions for visitors. The gallery occupies the Edwardian mansion of James and Helen Grant, who not only gave the building and surrounding gardens to the people of South Canterbury, but also bequeathed their private art collection. A modern wing was added in 1978 to accommodate larger exhibitions and art storage.

The gallery's Gaelic name (pronounced "egg and tie") means "at home." Today it houses an extensive and diverse permanent art collection featuring New Zealand and international artworks from the seventeenth century to the present. English Victorian paintings are a particular strength of the collection, while New Zealand favourites Frances Hodgkins, C.F. Goldie, and Colin McCahon are also well represented.

The historic gallery is located on a sunny hill and its park-like grounds provide a superb backdrop and idyllic surroundings for viewing revolving exhibitions from the Aigantighe collection. The gallery also hosts locally generated and nationally touring exhibitions, and offers a wide range of fun activities for children all year round.