Art by the River is a contemporary art gallery located in the historic United Ancient Order of Druids building in Whanganui, at 1B Bell Street. We opened in December 2024 to coincide with the re-opening of close neighbour, the prestigious Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, with a clear vision: to present high-quality, thoughtfully curated art from both Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
Our gallery features a mix of established and emerging New Zealand artists, alongside an exclusive Collectables selection that includes rare and sought-after works by internationally recognised names. Whether you're new to collecting or a long-time art enthusiast, we aim to offer art for sale online and at the gallery that is inspiring, meaningful, and enduring.
Art by the River was founded by Richard Browes, an experienced art collector and art dealer who brings over 30 years of professional expertise to the gallery. Richard’s background includes a career in law, senior executive roles in media and technology, and creative work in television production across New Zealand and Australia.
His connection to the arts began in earnest after moving to New Zealand in 2001. He earned a Master’s degree with First-Class Honours in Creative and Performing Arts from the University of Auckland, and began working with a leading television production company soon after. His credits include researching, devising, and co-writing the award-winning documentary Colin McCahon: I AM, which explored the life and work of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists.
That project was a turning point for Richard, sparking a deep personal engagement with the visual arts. Over the years, he has built a significant private collection of both New Zealand and international art, with a prized original McCahon work at its centre, acquired after more than two decades of collecting.
Inspired by a conversation with longstanding friends Mike and Linda Geers of Art by the Sea—a highly respected gallery in Auckland—Richard launched Art by the River as its sister gallery. Their shared values, artist relationships, and curatorial standards continue to shape our identity today.
In preparation for the opening, Richard undertook a comprehensive renovation of the Druids building, blending historical preservation with a modern gallery aesthetic. A highlight of the transformation is the main hall, where the original vaulted ceiling has been restored to its former glory, creating a unique and memorable exhibition space.
At Art by the River, we are committed to supporting artists, artwork exhibition, connecting collectors with meaningful work, and contributing to Whanganui’s vibrant cultural landscape. We look forward to welcoming you—whether you're looking to start your art journey, grow your art collection, or simply enjoy a visit.
What visitors say about Art by the River
If I had enough rooms I could buy the whole gallery. Every artwork is awesome and well selected. The arrangement for shipment to Germany was also done quite easy and accommodating according to pricing. Thank you so much!
Richard could not have been more helpful. The artworks he stocks are fabulous and we will be visiting again.
This is one of the best national dealer art galleries we’ve seen… the artworks are some of the best in New Zealand.
Beautiful building, beautiful owner, 3 beautiful pieces of purchased art. Riches for a healthy soul: nature, music, kindness both given and received, and art. Thank you Richard, your gallery is a taonga to the people of Whanganui.
An absolute delight to visit. Richard was great… he took time to discuss the art work and artists. This is a must visit on a regular basis.
Wonderful space. Lovely people. Definitely worth a visit.
Great location (close to centre of town) - wonderful art gallery with works from a wide array of both national and international artists - always a friendly greeting - love the building.
Beautiful artwork, and Richard is very knowledgeable and helpful!
The gallery presents a great variety of artists works… A delightful surprise to me in the second room, were excellent prints of a variety of famous artists works. I found it to be a welcoming and friendly space to visit.
Lovely gallery. Awesome works of art
Wonderful place. Quality art works. Amazing help in finding just the art work you want. Recommend very highly.
A really impressive range of art in a stunning building. Richard was great in assisting me with a particular piece I was looking for. May well be the best gallery in Whanganui.
This gallery has a wonderful range of paintings and prints by very famous artists. It would be impossible not to want to take at least one home. Home for us is the UK, but with the help of the owner even this wasn't too much trouble and our fabulous painting arrived on time and in perfect condition. Don't go to Whanganui without giving it a look.
This is by far my favorite gallery, super varied and changes often, always worth a look!
This gallery might be in a smaller town but it's not small! In addition to a great selection of NZ artists it also has a collection of European art for sale such as Banksy, Picasso, Matisse and more. Make sure you see the room at the back!
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Art by the River Limited is a registered New Zealand Limited Company
- Company No: 2169447
- NZBN: 9429032575293
- GST No: 100-749-734