The Human Gallery: Coming Home to Your Body - Opening Evening
Description
After months of photographing people from all walks of life, collecting stories and dreaming of creating a space for honest human connection, The Human Gallery: Coming Home to Your Body is finally opening its doors at The Button Factory, Auckland.
Join us for an intimate opening celebration and be among the first to experience the exhibition - a collection of powerful portraits and personal stories exploring body image, vulnerability, identity and what it means to reconnect with the bodies we call home.
Throughout the evening, you're invited to wander through the gallery at your own pace, engage with interactive reflection experiences, meet some of the people behind the photographs and connect through conversation.
The evening will begin with a short welcome from founder, photographer and artist Katharina Thoma, followed by a brief conversation with some of the voices behind The Human Gallery, offering a glimpse into the stories and experiences that shaped the exhibition.
Most importantly, this evening is a celebration of the people who trusted The Human Gallery with their bodies and their stories.
Come as you are. Take your time. Look, listen, reflect and connect.
Entry is free, with koha warmly welcomed for anyone who would like to support The Human Gallery.
Coming Home to Your Body will be open for one month, from 27 September - 25 October 2026, with additional experiences taking place throughout the exhibition, including the Coming Home to Your Body Somatic Day Retreat.
The Human Gallery: Coming Home to Your Body
Photography. Stories. Real bodies. Human connection.
Agenda
- 4:00 pm
Doors Open
Explore the exhibition, interactive experiences, mingle & nibbles
- 4:30 pm
Welcome & Opening Conversation
A short welcome from Katharina Thoma and a conversation with some of the voices behind The Human Gallery
- 5:15 pm - 6:30 pm
Explore and Connect
Exhibition, reflection experiences and informal connection
FAQs
- Do I need an RSVP?
Yes. Opening Evening has limited capacity and an RSVP is required. The evening is primarily reserved for Human Gallery participants and their whānau, friends and loved ones. A limited number of additional free places will be released once attendance numbers have been confirmed.
- Can I bring someone with me?
Absolutely! You're very welcome to bring a partner, friend or loved one as your +1. As Opening Evening is limited to around 150 people to keep the experience comfortable and intimate, we kindly ask that you stick to one guest rather than bringing a larger group.
Simply select 2 tickets when you RSVP and enter your guest's name so we can keep an accurate attendance list.
- What if I can no longer attend?
Please cancel your RSVP as early as possible so your place can be offered to someone else.
- Can’t make it to Opening Evening?
No worries! The Human Gallery: Coming Home to Your Body will be at The Button Factory for a whole month, from 27 September – 25 October 2026. You’re welcome to visit the exhibition during The Button Factory’s regular opening hours, so there will be plenty of opportunities to experience it outside of Opening Evening.
- Is the event accessible?
Yes. We’re taking steps to make the Opening Evening as accessible as possible. Wheelchair access will be provided via a ramp. If you have specific accessibility requirements or would like to check whether the space can accommodate your needs, please get in touch with The Human Gallery before the event.
- Will there be nudity in the exhibition?
The exhibition explores real bodies and body image through photography. Some works may include partial or full nudity presented in an artistic, non-sexual context.
Video
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
