Last updated June 2026
New Zealand Glassworks — Te Whare Tūhua o Te Ao — is the national centre for contemporary glass art in New Zealand, located at 2 Rutland Street in central Whanganui. The free gallery is open seven days a week, and resident artists often work in the hot shop, allowing visitors to watch live glassblowing demonstrations when scheduled. Paid workshops are available by advance booking for those wanting a hands-on experience. Whanganui’s selection as the home of this facility builds on the city’s long history with glassmaking and its status as a UNESCO City of Design.
Practical Information
| Address | 2 Rutland Street, Whanganui (Chronicle Building) |
| Hours | 10am–4:30pm, seven days (closed public holidays; check website for any other exclusions) |
| Gallery admission | Free |
| Workshops | Paid; advance booking required via nzglassworks.com |
| Parking | Street parking on Rutland Street and nearby streets |
| Website | nzglassworks.com |
About New Zealand Glassworks
New Zealand Glassworks serves as the country’s dedicated national centre for glass as an art form and is a cultural facility of the Whanganui District Council. The venue includes a working hot shop equipped for glassblowing alongside exhibition spaces that display and sell works by resident and visiting artists. Whanganui’s rich glassmaking heritage, spanning more than 150 years, made it a natural location for this facility.
The gallery showcases a wide range of contemporary glass art, from delicate blown vessels and sculptural pieces to larger installations. Artists work with techniques including glassblowing, casting, fusing, and kiln forming. When the hot shop is active, visitors can observe the process from a dedicated viewing area, with the schedule listed on the official calendar.
Workshops provide the main opportunity for hands-on participation. Popular beginner sessions focus on glassblowing and allow participants to create items such as tumblers or paperweights to take home. These sessions require advance booking through the website, as availability is limited and popular dates fill quickly.
Watching Demonstrations and Workshops
Visitors can check the online calendar for upcoming glassblowing demonstrations and workshop dates. The facility supports both observation and participation, with the hot shop operating on many days. Workshops are suitable for beginners and do not require prior experience.
What Visitors Often Say
Workshop participants frequently praise the enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutors who make the experience accessible and enjoyable for complete beginners. Many describe the live demonstrations as captivating and note that the sessions rank among Whanganui’s standout creative attractions.
Where to Learn More
New Zealand Glassworks Official Website: Current hours, workshop bookings, artist profiles, exhibition calendar, and shop.
Whanganui District Council — New Zealand Glassworks: Official council page with overview and links to the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Zealand Glassworks free to visit?
The gallery is free to enter. Workshops are paid, with pricing and availability listed on the website.
What are New Zealand Glassworks’ opening hours?
10am to 4:30pm seven days a week, closed on public holidays (some other exclusions may apply; check the website).
Can I watch glassblowing at New Zealand Glassworks?
Yes, when resident artists are working in the hot shop, visitors can observe from the viewing area. Check the online calendar for scheduled demonstrations.
How do I book a glassblowing workshop?
Workshops are booked online at nzglassworks.com. Beginner sessions are popular and should be reserved well in advance.
Where is New Zealand Glassworks located?
At 2 Rutland Street in central Whanganui, within walking distance of other cultural sites including the Sarjeant Gallery and Whanganui Regional Museum.
What techniques are featured at New Zealand Glassworks?
The facility supports glassblowing, casting, fusing, and kiln forming. Beginner workshops typically focus on hot glass techniques such as making a tumbler or paperweight.
Is New Zealand Glassworks suitable for children?
The gallery is family-friendly. Some workshops are open to participants of various ages; check specific session details when booking.
Does New Zealand Glassworks have an online shop?
Yes, the website features an online shop with glass art, jewellery, and homewares by New Zealand artists.
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