Since opening in February 1970, the Govett-Brewster has been at the forefront of contemporary art in New Zealand. 

The Govett-Brewster was established as a contemporary art museum through a generous gift from New Plymouth resident Monica Brewster (nee Govett) and her associated trust deed with New Plymouth City. Monica Brewster's gift financed the purchase and conversion of the Regent Cinema on Queen Street by Terry Boon, and created a fund for the development of the Govett-Brewster's permanent collection.

The Monica Brewster Trust Deed has ensured that the Govett-Brewster has Directors of national standing with the authority to acquire art works and determine Gallery policy. These factors have helped the Govett-Brewster to become a leading contemporary art museum.

The Govett-Brewster's opening exhibition was a groundbreaking multi-sensory installation by New Zealand artist Leon Narbey.

Since then the Govett-Brewster has continued to present innovative and challenging work by New Zealand and international artists. 

The Govett-Brewster runs an international artist residency programme for New Zealand and internaional artists focused on the development of new projects and publications.

The Govett-Brewster is principally supported by the New Plymouth District Council. Additional support is provided by a number of valued partners and sponsors.
 

COLLECTIONS HOUSED BY THE GOVETT-BREWSTER

The Govett-Brewster houses an important permanent collection with a focus on contemporary art from New Zealand and the Pacific, in line with the focus of its founding policy. Collection strengths include sculpture, conceptual art and abstract art from the 1970s and 1980s and contemporary sculpture.

The Govett-Brewster also holds the foremost collection of work by New Zealand-born artist Len Lye, on behalf of the Len Lye Foundation. The collection includes Lye's pioneering kinetic sculptures, photograms and experimental films, and a substantial archive. Exhibitions from the collection and archive are shown in the Govett-Brewster annually.

The Govett-Brewster also houses five long-term loan collections: the Helene Quilter Collection; the Relt Trust Collection; the Hamish McKay Collection; the Peter Robinson Collection; and the Paris Family Collection.
 

DIRECTORS