Rodin – France’s Greatest Sculptor

What made Rodin so radical and modern? Why did his sculpture of Balzac divide the art world? And are some of his works overrated? Dr Mark Stocker explores his rise to fame, the controversies he sparked, and some of his most renowned works, including 'The Thinker' and 'The Kiss'.

Friends’ Preview of Lego Festival

See it first and see it free!
Be the first to see Brickman Wonders of the World, part of Te Papa’s Lets Go Build Festival for LEGO® Lovers. This display will open to the public on Saturday 9 December.

Natural environment and NZ history

Join a small group of Friends and see treasures up close on this behind-the-scenes experience which takes place at Te Papa’s Tory Street storage facility.

$20.00

Pacific cultures and botany

Join a small group of Friends and see treasures up close on this behind-the-scenes experience at Te Papa, Cable Street.

$20.00

The memory of a nation

Following a personal journey, Dr Claudia Orange explores some of the publications, events and institutions of recent decades that have played significant roles in New Zealand history, adding to academic debate and impacting or filtering into the public domain.

$18.00 – $25.00

Te Papa’s 20th Birthday

A day of birthday celebrations - attend a free tour, a book launch, a panel discussion, watch a short movie, or party with brass band Richter City Rebels – join us in celebrating 20 years of Our Place.

Glorious Things

Dr Helen Rufus-Ward will trace the fascinating story of the Byzantine Empire, which flourished for over a thousand years, through the art of the period. Mosaics, ivory carvings, enamels, holy relics, silverware and icons are just some of the ‘glorious things' to be examined and discussed.

$10.00 – $20.00

Bolton Street Cemetery

Commemorative art is the focus of our tour through the Bolton Street Cemetery. This is Wellington’s oldest cemetery dating from 1840. To the Victorians, memorial symbolism was important and you will see interesting examples of this form of art.

$15.00

Taonga Māori tour

You will visit two collection areas; one housing weaponry, food implements and carving, including pounamu; and the textile collection which holds the largest kakahu (cloaks) collection in the world.

$25.00

A special insight into the exhibition

We will begin our tour at the heart of the exhibition, in the oldest surviving carved meeting house in the world, Te Hau ki Tūranga, a high point of Rongowhakaata creative expression.

$18.00 – $25.00