Art Behind The Door
Look closer. A hidden artwork, a simple question — and a reward awaits.
Click here for Competition 16
Discover Art — Discover History
Visit our Whanganui art gallery and see the mystery work behind the door for yourself — or check the website for clues.
The Art Behind the Door Competition invites you to look a little closer. Hidden behind a door within the gallery, a selected artwork becomes the focus of curiosity, conversation and reward.
To enter:
- View the artwork in person at Art by the River, 1B Bell Street, Whanganui
- Or visit the Competition page online for clues
- Submit your entry in-gallery or via the online entry form
One correct entry will be drawn, and the winner will receive a $100 voucher to spend at Art by the River*. The winner will be announced once the competition closes.
It’s a light-hearted way to engage more deeply with the art — and perhaps discover something unexpected.
A Building with a Story
Art by the River is housed in a landmark Whanganui building originally constructed in 1899 as the U.A.O.D. Druids’ Chambers. At the time of its opening, the Whanganui Chronicle described it as one of the most convenient and handsome brick buildings in the North Island.
Designed in Greek architectural style by architect Wm. Pinches, the building features an ornate façade facing Bell Street, complete with decorative plasterwork and a medallion bearing the motto “United to Assist”.
The hall once served as a meeting place for the Bishop Lodge and included offices for local professionals, forming part of the commercial and civic life of Whanganui at the turn of the twentieth century.
More than a century later, the building continues to bring people together — now through contemporary art.
Located at 1B Bell Street, Whanganui, Art by the River presents contemporary New Zealand art alongside selected international collectable works within one of the town’s historic heritage buildings.
We look forward to welcoming you in — and seeing if you can identify the art behind the door.
*Terms and Conditions Apply
If the work is sold during the period of the competition, a new work will be hidden behind the door for the balance of the period, and all correct entries for either work will be entered into the draw. The winner will be selected at random from correct entries and notified by the gallery on its website and in social media posts. Art by the River's decision is final. A voucher is valid for 6 months and must be used in one single transaction. The prize or voucher is not exchangeable for cash or transferable. All entrants will join our mailing list (option to unsubscribe).
