Takapuna’s heart is filled with art. Our streets and stages are an array of expressions. From the outdoor allure of public installations to the performances of the theatre, and the inspiring works found in our galleries.
Come and connect with the creative canvas of this coastal community – check out these permanent installations and creative centres.
Take a stand at the Soapbox
Olivia Collinson, Prue Fea and Vanessa Coxhead in collaboration with Jasmax
Soapbox is an interactive artwork that overlooks Lake Pupuke. Get up close – you’re allowed to climb on this sculpture. In fact, you’re encouraged to get up on it and speak your mind to the world.
The piece honours the legacy of Kate Sheppard, and the importance that soapboxes played in the women’s rights movement.
Go fishing for a history lesson with Te Ika-a-Māui
E. Mervyn Taylor
This ceramic mural has a long history, it was originally commissioned in 1961 to celebrate a new telephone cable connecting New Zealand to the world, a metaphorical fishing line drawing Aotearoa into the world, reflecting the myth of Māui fishing up the North Island.
The ceramics aged and began to fall off the wall at its original location, a cable terminal. After being lost for many years, the tiles were rediscovered, the mural was restored, and Te Ika-a-Māui is now on display at the Takapuna Library.
Get in touch with volcanoes at the Mataoho Wall
Brett Graham
In Takapuna’s Hurstmere Green, the Mataoho Wall offers an artistic interpretation of local legend. Carved from volcanic basalt, the sculpture visually and textually recounts the Māori story of Mataoho, the volcano god, and his role in shaping the landscape of Rangitoto and Lake Pupuke, two of Takapuna’s most prominent natural features.
The sculpture features a verse in te reo Māori and its English translation.
Honour a national treasure at the Bruce Mason Centre
The Bruce Mason Centre is a cornerstone of Takapuna’s cultural life, bringing a wide range of performances and events to the heart of the North Shore. The theatre complex is named after Bruce Mason, the legendary New Zealand playwright, responsible for classics such as The End of the Golden Weather and The Pohutukawa Tree.
The theatre is centrally located, surrounded by Takapuna’s best restaurants and bars to make for a great theatrical night out.
Get your juices flowing at the PumpHouse Theatre
From its former life as a water pumping station on Lake Pupuke, the historic building is now known as the PumpHouse Theatre. Today, it’s a vibrant hub for the performing arts, hosting a range of shows, musical performances and events.
There’s always something on at the PumpHouse, so it’s well worth a look-in if you’re looking for some quality entertainment.
Take some wonderful art home from Art By the Sea
Takapuna is home to the incredible Art by the Sea – an art gallery specialising in the sale of fine and contemporary New Zealand art.
Art by the Sea is an Auckland art gallery that specialises in high-end and affordable original art by New Zealand artists including paintings, sculptures, photography, multimedia, and contemporary art, as well as conservation framing, restoration, valuations and installations.
Ramp up your own artistic skills Lake House Arts Centre
Another beautiful historic building with an artistic flair, the Lake House Arts Centre is a community hub located in an expansive restored villa and two former army barracks.
One of Auckland’s top providers of arts, culture and heritage programmes Lake House Arts offers art classes, exhibitions, and events. It’s a true destination for art lovers and creators alike, with classes and events on all the time.