On Wednesday 14 February Te Papa is celebrating 20 years. Many of you were there or will remember that momentous opening day. Wednesday is a day of birthday celebrations and a great variety to choose from – films, tours, a Te Papa book launch and panel discussion, and an evening concert.
Te Papa is open until 9pm and all events are free.
Below you will find more detail to help plan your day. We look forward to seeing you there.
Short film series, Soundings Theatre, 10am–9pm
A series of short films that showcases work across conservation, research, and taonga (treasures). Some have been made by Te Papa over the past 20 years, and others are from the collection.
Footage includes:
• conservation work on a huge hīnaki (eel trap)
• the rediscovery of the ‘extinct’ takahē in the 1940s
• the making of Gallipoli: The scale of our war
• Tales of Te Papa episodes (a behind-the-scenes miniseries)
• natural history field trip diaries.
There will be a number of videos playing on loop throughout the day, so pop in and learn a thing or two about the important work done at Te Papa.
Free tour: 20 years of fun facts
Starting 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 5.05pm, 7pm, 7.05pm
Join a free tour that includes favourite facts from around the museum. Bookings required as numbers are limited. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please meet at the Level 2 information desk 10 minutes prior to the tour starting.
Book your free tour (link is external)
Te Papa book launch and panel discussion, Te Marae, Level 4, 2pm–3pm
Join the book launch of Te Papa – Reinventing New Zealand’s National Museum 1998–2018 by Conal McCarthy.
During this hour-long panel discussion enjoy an insight into the vision behind the museum and how it has evolved in the last two decades. Panelists include Conal McCarthy, the author; Arapata Hakiwai, there on day one in 1998, now Te Papa’s Kaihautū; Jock Phillips, historian and former concept leader; Huhana Smith, former senior curator Mātaranga Māori; and an international guest.
Richter City Rebels Evening Concert, Amphitheatre and Red Gates Bar, 5.30pm–9pm
Party with the Richter City Rebels (link is external), ‘Wellington’s first and finest New Orleans brass band.’ Soak up the evening sun while enjoying a cold brew and a tasty bite to eat from our Red Gates Bar. We’ll also be sharing some birthday cake and you can take a pic in our green screen photo booth.
If the weather is bad the event will be held inside Te Papa’s Wellington Foyer.
Please see our Facebook page (link is external) for updates.
Late Night closing, 6pm–9pm
Te Papa will be until 9pm so you can enjoy Te Papa for a little longer on this 20th birthday!