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Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum has reopened its historic 1929 Grand Foyer and seven galleries following a five-month closure, with free activities planned for Labour Weekend to mark the occasion.
From Thursday, October 16, visitors can once again access the museum’s northern entrance, WWI Hall of Memories, the Mataaho Volcanoes and Te Ao Tūroa Māori Natural History galleries, among others.
To celebrate, the museum will host free performances, selected tours, craft activities and virtual reality experiences from Saturday, October 25, to Monday, October 27. Entry is always free for Aucklanders.
Auckland Museum tumu whakarae chief executive David Reeves says reopening the northern end of the building is a major milestone after the asbestos-related closure earlier this year.
“While our Māori and Pacific Galleries remain closed, we are excited that we can now safely reopen the Grand Foyer and seven galleries, and that’s something worth celebrating,” David says. “We want Aucklanders to know: yes, we are open and there’s lots to see and do, so come and see us.”
He says community support is best shown through visitation.
“The best way people can support their museum is simply by visiting. Entry is always free for Aucklanders, and this celebratory weekend gives everyone a chance to rediscover Auckland Museum and the unique experiences we offer.”
The newly reopened spaces include the northern entrance and Grand Foyer, WWI Hall of Memories, Mataaho Volcanoes, Te Ao Tūroa Māori Natural History, Te Onemata Ancient Worlds, Toi Kura The Mackelvie Collection, Toi Āhia Arts of Asia, Pou Kanohi New Zealand at War, and the Pou Maumahara Memorial Discovery Centre.
The Māori Court and Pacific Galleries remain closed while remediation continues.
Free Labour Weekend activities include:
- Seven reopened galleries, including Volcanoes and Te Ao Tūroa Māori Natural History
- Free Museum Highlights guided tours
- Free VR experience
- Free Māori Cultural Experience
- Free Weekends of Wonder craft activities for tamariki
Free experiences are subject to availability and can be booked onsite. Normal admission and ticketing resume from Tuesday, October 28.
