Operating as a charity since November 2000, Lake House Arts is a community of hundreds of artists and members who regularly participate in exhibitions and events. Classes and holiday programmes provide access to over 2000 enrolments per annum.

Hundreds of members and artists from the wider community regularly participate in Lake House Arts exhibitions and events. Classes and holiday programmes provide access to over 2000 enrolments per annum.

Partnering with Auckland Council, the Devonport Takapuna Local Board and a variety of local and national funding partners, Lake House Arts is one of the Top Five providers of Arts, Culture and Heritage Programmes in the Auckland Region, and welcomes over 65,000 visitors yearly. 

Three historic Takapuna/Devonport buildings, Lake House and two Fort Cautley Army Barracks make up Lake House Arts. Lake House Arts is a smoke-free, family-friendly, highly accessible public facility governed by a charitable trust.

Utilising six gallery spaces, five hirable studios , beautiful gardens and a popular cafe, Lake House Arts provides public access six days a week, and private after hours access 24/7 for the community to experience exhibitions, events, classes, workshops, holiday programmes, tours and more.

Lake House Arts is a community facility supporting and presenting arts, culture, heritage and learning.

Our History

The history of this beautiful Victorian boarding house goes back well over 120 years.

During that time the property was the home of many colourful characters and stories. We think it’s particularly important to highlight some of the heroes along the way that recognised the historical significance of the home and helped make it the artistic and cultural hub it is today. 

It’s especially poetic that art played a direct role in the restoration of the property with a resident artist at the time, Tony Ogle, finding so much inspiration in the house that he organised an ‘end of an era’ art exhibition as a form of protest.

For more details check out the timeline below to see the full story.