Suter Art Gallery

The Suter opened in 1899, funded by a bequest from Amelia Suter in memory of her husband Andrew, the second Anglican Bishop of Nelson, which makes it among the oldest purpose-built public art galleries in New Zealand. The collection reflects that long run: colonial and early New Zealand painting, works by John Gully who lived in Nelson, a substantial holding of the region's artists, and contemporary work acquired since. The building was demolished and rebuilt between 2014 and 2016 apart from some retained fabric, so what stands now is a modern gallery with a long institution inside it - light, well-proportioned spaces looking over Queens Gardens and the duck pond, with a cafe on the water. Nelson has an unusually dense concentration of working artists and craftspeople for a city its size, and the Suter functions as the anchor for that. Entry to the collection is free.

What you actually see

• The colonial and early New Zealand painting - including John Gully.
• The regional collection - Nelson artists over more than a century.
• The 2016 building - modern spaces over Queens Gardens.
• The contemporary programme - changing exhibitions alongside.

When to go

Any season - indoors and free for the collection. Check what temporary shows are on; some are ticketed. The gardens outside are worth the extra half hour.

Honest expectations

The building is new, not historic, despite the institution's age. It is a regional gallery - the collection is good rather than large. Some exhibitions charge.

Nearby

Queens Gardens surround it; Christ Church Cathedral and South Street are a short walk.