Delightful Londoner and Guide, Ian Swankie, gave the Friends an insight into the history of these two grand old buildings. The magnificent Guildhall with its fascinating history included many famous trials. Still today the Lord Mayors remain separate from Sovereignty, with their decision making. Our eyes were drawn to the gracious Gothic stained glass windows […]
Read more |May 27, 2019
Mention fossils and you’re sure to grab public interest. This was evident in the age range of the crowd in the theatre for Professor James Crampton’s lecture on “The give and take of biodiversity.” Families, students of all ages, and people interested in science, geology and fossils – like me (and probably you) were eager to get started.
Read more |May 24, 2019
With great anticipation, I arrived outside the new Te Taiao Nature Exhibition Zone for the Friends of Te Papa Preview. First we were treated to an entrancing performance by the TuRongo Collective. Beautiful melodies culminated in a dramatic combination of song, piercing bird calls, and physical interpretations of these creatures’ distinctive movements.
Read more |May 16, 2019
Wellington obligingly set the scene for Adrian Hayes’ appearance at Te Papa. A capacity audience was seated early, the buzz of excitement and anticipation amply rewarded by the riveting address that followed, illustrated by graphic videos and photography.
Read more |April 10, 2019
A splendid autumn afternoon blessed the Karori Modernism Tour, a joint fund-raiser between the Friends of Te Papa and the Friends of Futuna Chapel. The event began in the Chapel, which responded with a blaze of resplendent colour on its pebble-dashed walls. A moment’s silence was held in remembrance to the shooting tragedy in Christchurch. […]
Read more |April 3, 2019
More than 160 objects, 37 crates, a convoy of seven trucks, and an air freighter and passenger plane. That’s just some of what was involved in getting the Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality exhibition from Xi’an, China’s ancient capital, to Wellington – a journey of 10,825km….
Read more |April 1, 2019
It was standing room only in the Reading Room on level 4 for the first of 2019’s programme of curator talks intended to share deep knowledge and expertise.
Read more |March 27, 2019
At the Whanganui Regional Museum, we were warmly welcomed by Senior Curator Libby Sharpe, and Lisa Ruaka, Public Programmes Presenter. As a group with the expert guidance by Libby Sharpe and Lisa Ruaka, we explored the history of the museum and the exciting refurbishment and restoration work nearly completed.
Read more |March 15, 2019
A plain white church, neatly mown grass, a large totara and a pretty lychgate to walk through. There must be a good reason for us to be here, but there is little indication from the outside.
Read more |March 15, 2019
Last night Mahuki, Te Papa’s innovation hub, welcomed Friends to explore Pride in Aotearoa with 3 fascinating guest speakers from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Read more |March 14, 2019
Learn more about Te Papa from the inside. As a Friend, you’ll enjoy exclusive exhibition previews, discounts, special events, and more.