As Peter McIntyre once wrote “To record it in paintings and drawings, to have a visual record of a vital part of New Zealand and world history is to ensure that the tragedy and experience are not forgotten”.
Read more |May 15, 2016
Homes are places to retreat to, but they also reflect how we’d like to be seen. The art works in the Open Home exhibition explore what happens when home life goes on display – from model homes to suburban neuroses,
Read more |October 28, 2015
In 1970, the Chinese artist, Shi Lu (1919-1982) locked himself in a small shack beside the family apartment and began revising sketches made in the 1950s. A painting of an ancient Delhi fort became surrounded with red and black inscriptions, an Indian monk was transformed…
Read more |February 24, 2014
Artist in Focus presents paintings and sketches by Petrus van der Velden – an artist whose raw, expressive paintings are among the most important and engaging works made in New Zealand in the 1800s.
Read more |November 7, 2013
Aztecs: Conquest and glory, showcases over 200 spectacular artefacts that tell of the Aztecs’ dramatic and glorious rise to power. The objects, all of which come from Mexican museums… tell a compelling story.
Read more |September 30, 2013
Twenty years ago, Open Eyes, Issue 11 1993, featured a front page article on a gift the Friends presented to Te Papa in that year. … This new exhibition will be the first time you can see…
Read more |September 30, 2013
Miss Universe 1983 has handed over her crown one final time – this time to Te Papa. Lorraine Downes’ glittery cobalt blue gown, Miss Universe crown, sash and trophy were officially welcomed to the museum a few weeks ago. “I thought I’d lost it after several house moves,” said Lorraine, “so was delighted when I […]
Read more |September 3, 2013
During World War II, New Zealand designer and journalist Mollie Rodie found a new use for her fashion credentials. Her Carnival Queen costume designs brought a touch of Hollywood-style glamour to fundraising pageants and helped rally spirits on the home front.
This exhibition showcases a selection of Rodie’s watercolour sketches, alongside an album of photographs that reveal how local women brought them to life.
Read more |August 1, 2013
Te Papa, in conjunction with the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, has brought an exhibition of French and American Impressionism from their collection to New Zealand. Many of you will have visited
Read more |July 1, 2013
Learn more about Te Papa from the inside. As a Friend, you’ll enjoy exclusive exhibition previews, discounts, special events, and more.