Entitled ‘Showing Favourites’, it’s made up of about 45 works lent by friends and members of the museum society, and forms part of Arrowtown Creative Arts Society’s ‘Gardens+Galleries’ weekend.
Museum director Jane Peasey says the works showcase some of NZ’s best-known artists from early-explorer artists to present-day contemporary artists.
These include Ralph Hotere, Colin McCahon, Rita Angus, Grahame Sydney, Max Gimblett, Evelyn Page and Douglas Badcock.
"It is very rare to get a collection of this variety and importance under one roof in the Whakatipu," Peasey says.
"We are absolutely thrilled with the response and generosity of local people who were only too willing to lend their beautiful works."
The exhibition — curated by former long-time museum director David Clarke — runs till March 17.
Tonight’s opening is a ticketed affair.
