Te Papa’s highly anticipated Surrealist Art | He Toi Pohewa exhibition opened this June and managed all of two weeks before Covid-19 threw a spanner in the works. Luckily for us Kiwi’s though, it’s now back open and Te Papa have a range of options to immerse you in the world of European masterpieces.
Surrealist Soirée | 31 July
Perfect if:
You want to party like Dali!
You need an excuse to dust off your black tie and ballgowns
Picture this; It’s Saturday night, you and your fabulous friends are all glammed up and you’re heading to Te Papa after hours. Arriving at the museum you’re greeted with live music, grazing stations, surreal collaborations between Wellington culinary favourites (Surrealist Stout from Fortune Favours anyone?) and all night, exclusive access to 180 Surrealist masterpieces. This is the Surrealist Soirée and I think it’s about the coolest thing to come out of a museum since the Met Gala!
$149 per person, this is an R18 event.
Dinner, Dali & Masterpieces | 17 September
Perfect if:
You’re looking for a more relaxed evening (and a sit down)
3 courses of fine dining and wine seems like the perfect compliment to a sublime collection of 20th century artworks
If you were lucky enough to attend Te Papa’s Dinner, Drag and Art event last year, you’ll know how fantastic these evenings are. Again, after hours access to the exhibition is included. This time however you’re treated to a three-course wine and fine dining experience to de-brief. Tables consist of 10 seats, so you can gather your friends or meet some like-minded art lovers, while live musicians and entertainers keep the festivities flowing.
$179 per person, this is an R18 event.
Surreal High Tea | daily until 31 October
Perfect if:
You prefer a daytime visit
You want to treat mum
You like cake
Beautiful cakes and dainty savouries are complimented by Surreal table games and quaint theming for this most genteel of activities. The latest in Te Papa’s instalment of high tea’s to accompany their exhibitions, it’s the perfect girly day out, or date day with your significant other, but there are also great family deals if you want to treat the kids!
$49 (Adult); $45 (Concession/Under 26); $29 (Child, 3-15 years); $145 (Family, 2 adults, 2 children)
Includes exhibition entry
Whānau day | 15 July
Perfect if:
You want to get the kids excited about art
You’re looking to entertain the family on a budget
Te Papa’s whānau days are legendary for a reason, and while it doesn’t include exhibition entry the activities put on are all free. There will be crafting galore and there’s rumours of a crab-penguin-spaceman? You’ll have to be there to find out more!
Free event for all ages.
Tours | daily until 31 October
Perfect if:
You want to delve deeper into the stories behind the art
You want to gain a better understanding of Surrealism
If you’re keen to take in the masterpieces, but don’t know your Surrealism from your Symbolism, this is the place to start. Te Papa’s incredible hosts will guide you through and give you a comprehensive overview of the art and the movement, before leaving you to wander the space and take it all in. Limited numbers mean you’re in an intimate group and there’s ample opportunity for questions. There’s also the opportunity to combine with a high tea and make am indulgent day of it.
Adult: $43.50, Concession: $38.50, Under 26: $38.50, Child: $19.50
Includes exhibition entry
Visitors view Salvador Dalí’s Mae West Lips Sofa, 1938, in Te Papa’s Surrealist Art: Masterpieces from Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen exhibition. © Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí/VEGAP. Copyright Agency, 2021. Photo by Jo Moore, 2021 | Te Papa