Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery

28/05/2026

🎉 Join us for a special opening night!

Russell Clark: The City Hotel Gold Rush Murals
📅 Thursday 4 June 2026, 7:00 p.m. 📍 Henderson Gallery, Central Stories, Alexandra

We are honoured to welcome Sir Grahame Sydney KNZM as our special guest speaker . Sir Grahame will share the fascinating story of how these panels came to Central Stories and reflect on the life and legacy of Russell Clark — a significant figure in New Zealand art.

All welcome! Light refreshments provided.

Please RSVP by 2 June — limited space so get in quick!
📧 [email protected]
📞 03 448 6230 Or drop in to Central Stories

🖼️ Exhibition open to all: 1 June – 30 July 2026

In 1962, New Zealand artist Russell Clark painted 28 vivid and witty panels depicting the 1860s Central Otago gold rush — now part of the Central Stories permanent collection and on display for the first time in years. Come in and see them for yourself! 🌈⛏️
Free Entry
Central Stories is open 10am- 4pm daily

27/05/2026

22/05/2026

Lovely to have Alissa’s class from Alexandra Primary School at Central Stories today 😁

21/05/2026

Unforeseen Consequences: An Author's Talk by Ron Crosby.
Friday, June 19th, at 7 PM at Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery for an insightful discussion with author Ron Crosby. He will share insights about his publications, "Keep Calm, We Are Coming" and "NZSAS."
Entry is by koha (donation), and everyone is welcome to attend.
Please RSVP by calling 03 448 6230 or emailing [email protected].

20/05/2026

Send a message to learn more

19/05/2026

🎖️ Ever wondered what it's really like inside the world of the NZSAS?
On Friday 19 June, Blenheim historian Ron Crosby is coming to Alexandra to tell the stories that have never been made public before — straight from the soldiers who were there.
His new book Keep Calm — We Are Coming takes you behind the lines of New Zealand's Special Air Service in Afghanistan — three devastating Taliban attacks in Kabul, Kiwis saving hundreds of lives, and the chaotic 2021 evacuation of New Zealanders as the city fell.
And that's not all. Ron will also talk about the unforeseen chain of events that led him to write a second major book in the same year — with Whakaari/White Island rescue hero and former NZSAS soldier Mark Law. Two books in one year. Almost unheard of.
Come along, hear the stories, grab a book and get it signed.
📅 Friday 19 June · 7pm 📍 Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery, Alexandra 🎟️ Koha / Donation — everyone welcome 📞 RSVP: 03 4486230 or [email protected]
Tag someone who'd love this! 👇

19/05/2026

🎨 Top Art has come to Alexandra!
We're excited to host the NZQA Top Art Exhibition 2026, brought to Central Otago by Central Otago Arts.
Top Art is New Zealand's premier annual showcase of secondary school visual arts excellence — and this year it's right here on our doorstep! Featuring outstanding NCEA Level 3 portfolios across five disciplines — painting, photography, design, printmaking and sculpture — this exhibition is a wonderful chance to see the incredible talent of our next generation of New Zealand artists.
📅 20–27 May 2026 🕙 10am–4pm Daily 🎟️ Free entry — everyone welcome
Pop in and prepare to be inspired! 🌟
🔗 Find out more about Top Art: https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/subjects/select-subject/visual-arts/top-art/
Tag a friend who loves art! 👇

30/04/2026