7 Best Art Galleries in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🎨 2025

Last Updated: 7 June, 2025

Where to Find Art Galleries in the Cook Islands

Be inspired by the passion and talent of the locals and perhaps come home with a unique souvenir from the fabulous art galleries in the Cook Islands. The only formal art galleries in the Cook Islands can be found on the island of Rarotonga, but the art of crafting intricate rito hats, earrings and black pearl jewellery is something that can be admired across the islands.

But when it comes to art galleries specifically, we list some of our favourites below! Note that all of the art galleries in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands are free to enter.

For more cultural experiences, don’t forget to check How to Have an Authentic Cook Islander Experience.

1. Bergman Gallery

Set within the coral limestone walls of the historic Beachcomber Building, the Bergman Gallery represents artists from the Cook Islands and the Pacific region.

The free art gallery in Avarua features ever-changing exhibitions in a spacious exhibition room across the courtyard from a quirky cafe with its own interesting pieces at “the vinyl revival club”. The Bergman Gallery is open from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 3 pm and Saturday 10 am to 12 pm. See more activities nearby in the 10 Best Things to Do in Avarua.

Location: Coastal side of the main road (Ara Tapu), opposite Makea Tinirau Road, the eastern end of Avarua (north side of Rarotonga).

5 Best Art Galleries in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ???? [2023]

2. Te Toki Tupuna

Experience the vibrant heart of Cook Islands culture at Te Toki Tupuna, the Heritage and Arts Society of Rarotonga. This creative hub offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness local artists in action, crafting everything from paintings to traditional carvings.

It’s not your typical gallery; it’s a living studio where you’ll get an unfiltered glimpse into the artistic process. With about a dozen artists currently involved, Te Toki Tupuna is more than just a workspace – it’s a community centre fostering wellbeing through art and culture.

You’re welcome to ask questions, but remember to seek permission before snapping photos. A guide is often on hand to share fascinating insights about traditional items and old Cook Islands games. Te Toki Tupuna is open Tuesday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 2 pm. Your donations are greatly appreciated and help keep this cultural treasure thriving.

Location: Ara Metua Road, Atupa Tapere, Avarua, Rarotonga. Look for it on the back road between Avarua and the runway – you can’t miss the eye-catching carvings outside!

5 Best Art Galleries in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🎨 [2025]

3. 2Mamas Gallery

See the works of two bubbly “mamas”, Maria File and Maureen Kemp, at the aptly named 2Mamas Gallery. They have a variety of paintings and prints on display and for sale at their gallery on the back roads of Arorangi.

Be inspired by stunning landscape paintings, flowers, Pacific wildlife and more. You can also find the 2Mamas at the Punanga Nui Market on a Saturday morning, which you can learn more about in the 5 Best Markets in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

The gallery in Arorangi is open from Monday to Wednesday, 9 am to 2 pm.

Location: The turnoff to 2Mamas Gallery is on the inland road (Ara Metua) just north of the turnoff to Highland Paradise, Arorangi (west side of Rarotonga).

4. Ani’s Art Gallery

Discover a vibrant slice of Cook Islands culture at Ani’s Art Gallery, also known as Art Box, nestled in Akaoa, Arorangi on Rarotonga’s west side. This charming gallery showcases the work of local artist Ani, whose colourful creations draw inspiration from the islands’ rich cultural heritage.

Through her art, Ani beautifully preserves and shares the myths, legends, and icons of her ancestors. You’ll find an array of affordable pieces painted on various surfaces, including ply, tapa cloth, metal, canvas, and canvas boards.

Don’t miss the eye-catching wall hangings crafted from thick cotton linen. Best of all, these unique souvenirs are customs-friendly and perfect for travellers to take home.

Location: Akaoa No.2 Road, Akaoa, Arorangi, west coast of Rarotonga.

6 Best Art Galleries in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🎨 [2025]

5. Blue Moon Art Gallery

Blue Moon Art Gallery is a quirky, artist-run gallery located on Rarotonga’s southwest coast. This casual space offers a unique blend of digital and handmade art, including eye-catching ceramics. With its flexible “when awake” opening hours, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem.

The gallery’s relaxed vibe extends beyond its walls, with artworks scattered throughout the house and the surrounding garden. It’s a delightful pitstop as you journey along Rarotonga’s main road, offering a refreshing glimpse into the local art scene.

One of Blue Moon Art Gallery’s standout features is its ability to produce prints within just two days – perfect for picking up a last-minute souvenir!

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Ruataki, southwest coast of Rarotonga. Between The Rarotongan and Wigmore’s.

6. Charlotte Piho Gallery

Turtle tour guide and award-winning photographer, Charlotte Piho, showcases her stunning work at the Charlotte Piho Gallery in Muri. Here, you can browse her captivating underwater photography and purchase prints on various items like puzzles, cushions, greeting cards and bags.

The gallery operates with limited hours, officially open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 3:30 pm, while Saturdays are closed. However, we’ve found that it’s not always open during these stated times, so it’s best to check ahead.

If you’re keen to capture your own turtle moments, consider booking one of Charlotte’s turtle swimming tours, and compare options in the 10 Best Turtle Swimming Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri (east side of Rarotonga).

7 Best Art Galleries in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🎨 [2025]

7. Rarotonga Fabric Arts

While not a traditional gallery, Rarotonga Fabric Arts offers a unique hands-on experience for art enthusiasts. This vibrant workshop invites you to create your own masterpiece through tie-dye fabric arts. Running six days a week (Sunday to Friday, 10 am to 3 pm), the 1 hr 30 mins sessions cater to all ages, making it a perfect activity for families or solo travellers alike.

Choose from a bedspread, tea towel, or pareu (sarong) and unleash your creativity using a wide array of stencils and custom-made blocks. Once you’ve finished painting, your creation is ironed to set the colours, ensuring it’s machine washable. You can pick up your unique souvenir just an hour later – talk about instant gratification!

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Takitumu, southeast coast of Rarotonga. Well signposted along the main road.

More About Art in the Cook Islands

While that might be our picks for the best art galleries in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, there are many other ways to experience art in the Cook Islands. Browse gorgeous crafts woven by talented locals, see beautiful jewellery made on-site at many of the pearl shops, and see historic works at the museums. We cover all of this in the following guides:

Finally, inspire yourself with more experiences using our 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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