McCahon House
About This Museum
Tucked away on a quiet, bush-clad street in Titirangi, the McCahon House isn't your typical white-cube gallery. This is the actual home and studio where New Zealand's most revered painter, Colin McCahon, lived and worked during a profoundly creative period. The modest 1950s house feels less like a museum and more like a preserved moment in time, where you can almost smell the turpentine and feel the artistic struggle that happened within its walls. It’s an intimate encounter with the man behind the masterpieces, set against the lush Waitākere Ranges that so deeply influenced his work.
Collection Highlights
The heart of the collection is the studio itself, left with the raw energy of its former occupant—paint-splattered floors, an old easel, and even brushstrokes preserved on the wall. Alongside this living exhibit, you'll find a rotating display of McCahon's powerful paintings and works on paper from his 'Titirangi years', many grappling with themes of faith and the distinctive local landscape.
Visitor Information
Don't expect a sprawling complex; the magic here is in its small scale and authenticity. Pop into the contemporary gallery next door to see how McCahon's legacy inspires artists today. It’s a wonderfully personal experience that connects you directly to a pivotal chapter in New Zealand's art history.
Architecture & Building
A humble, single-story New Zealand timber bach, typical of its era, with simple lines and a direct connection to its natural surroundings.
Contact & Location
Address: 67, Otitori Bay Road, French Bay, Titirangi, Waitākere Ranges, Auckland, 0604, New Zealand / Aotearoa
Website: Visit Website
