Nelson Arts & Wearable Arts Heritage Walk
Discover the creative culture behind Nelson's world-famous Wearable Art Awards and thriving arts scene, from studios to galleries to ceramic workshops.
- 1
WOW Museum — World of WearableArt
The WOW Museum displays spectacular garments from the world-famous Wearable Art Awards, founded in Nelson in 1987 — a celebration of art worn as sculpture.
- 2
Trafalgar Street Galleries
Nelson has more galleries per capita than any other NZ city — Trafalgar Street's cluster of galleries shows work from Nelson's potters, painters, and jewellers.
- 3
Jens Hansen Gold & Silversmith
The workshop that created the One Ring for the Lord of the Rings films — Jens Hansen's designs are handcrafted on site and have attracted visitors worldwide.
- 4
Nelson Potters Studio Trail
Nelson is New Zealand's pottery capital — a trail of studios connects working potters throughout the city, many welcoming visitors to watch them at work.
- 5
The Suter Art Gallery
The Suter is Nelson's public art gallery, holding one of New Zealand's finest regional collections including colonial works and contemporary Māori art.
- 6
Founders Heritage Park
A living heritage village of restored colonial buildings — brewery, printing press, and merchant's store — telling the story of Nelson's 19th-century settlers.