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Sharks will take centre stage at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum this summer, opening on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
The exhibition invites families, students and enthusiasts into a world dominated by members of the shark family to explore their genetic diversity, territories, interactions and significance to ocean ecosystems.
Created by the Australian Museum, this acclaimed exhibition showcases the often misunderstood but fascinating world of sharks. Highlighting the latest science alongside cultural perspectives, Sharks reveals the diversity of these ancient fish.
Visitors will encounter nine life-sized scientifically accurate models, including the extinct 270-million-year-old Helicoprion (the Buzzsaw Shark); the Hammerhead Shark, known for its distinctive head shape and 360-degree vision; and the Great White Shark, one of the most famous species. Other life-sized sharks on display include the Tiger Shark, Greynurse Shark, Prickly Dogfish, Epaulette Shark and Frill Shark.
The exhibition features hands-on learning through artefacts and tactile displays, including a megalodon jaw and a Great White tooth. Immersive and interactive experiences allow visitors to navigate through a shark body via a 3D interactive scan, adapt a shark to survive in changing environments, and see the world through the eyes of a Hammerhead. State-of-the-art projections and a specially designed ‘oceanarium’ bring sharks to life as they swim virtually through their habitats.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, a quarter of the world’s sharks are threatened with extinction. The exhibition presents up-to-date information on conservation, sharks’ impact on oceans, and efforts to protect them. Shark safety is also highlighted, enabling visitors to make informed choices when entering marine environments – the natural domain of sharks.
“Sharks are one of the most misunderstood animals on the planet,” says curator of marine biology at Auckland Museum and shark expert Clinton Duffy.
“Most people can name a couple of sharks, such as the Great White Shark, Tiger Shark, Hammerhead or Bronze Whaler. But sharks are a really diverse group, with more than 500 species, ranging in size from the tiny cigar shark to the Whale Shark, the largest fish in the ocean.
“Sharks have so much to tell us about evolution, ocean ecosystems and our natural world,” says Clinton.
“Sharks are among the most fascinating animals in our world, and we’re thrilled to bring this acclaimed exhibition from the Australian Museum in Sydney to us in Auckland, just in time for summer,” says Tumu Whakarae chief executive at Auckland Museum David Reeves.
“Sharks hold a particular place in popular mythology, sometimes unfairly portrayed, so this exhibition is an opportunity for visitors to get up close to appreciate their beauty and diversity. Visitors can learn about the vital role sharks play in our oceans, and we hope they’ll come away with a deeper understanding of our marine environment,” says David.
Sharks comes exclusively to Auckland Museum and opens Wednesday, December 10, 2025, running until Monday, April 27, 2026. Tickets go on sale Thursday, November 6, 2025.
