Made in New Zealand

How New Zealand has developed its distinctive visual and material culture.

The Time Warp

The Time Warp is an interactive and entertaining highlight at Te Papa. Take rides into New Zealand’s past or future, or thrill to a ‘virtual’ bungy jump and other classic Kiwi outdoor activities.

Mana Pasifika

A celebration of Pacific people and their cultures both in the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.

On the Sheep’s Back

An entertaining take on the history and culture of New Zealand’s sheep farming, shearing, and wool industry.

Rita Angus: Life & Vision

An exhibition of 200 works by this iconic and much-loved New Zealand artist.

Whales - Tohorā

Encounter the underwater world of whales. Explore their lifestyles and amazing biology. And discover how the world of whales and people connect – in story and in fact, at sea and on land.

THE POISONERS – Solve the murder if you dare...

Be the detective. Meet the twisted suspects. Figure out who killed Professor Felix Splicer and what gruesome poisonous creature they used.

Theo Schoon: Opening the archive

Theo Schoon was a notable figure in 20th-century New Zealand art. In 2001, Te Papa purchased his archive of work. This selection showcases Schoon’s artistry and reveals the extraordinary range of his interests.

James Nairn: A Scottish impressionist in Wellington

James Nairn set the 1890s Wellington art scene alight with his ‘avant-garde’ painting methods and teaching. This delightful selection of works from Te Papa’s collection complements The Scots in New Zealand exhibition.

Mary-Annette Hay: Queen of Wool

See gorgeous wool garments presented to New Zealand audiences by this brilliant creative promoter of wool. Revisit the glamour of an era in designs by fashion luminaries such as Pierre Balmain, Marcel Rochas, Hardy Amies, and Victor Steibel. 

Egypt: Beyond the Tomb

See the 2700-year-old mummy of Keku, and explore the mysteries of ancient Egyptian rituals for journeying to the afterlife. 

Constable: Impressions of land, sea and sky

John Constable (1776-1837) was one of the greatest English landscape painters. The exhilarating works in this exhibition trace his remarkable career and reveal what influenced and inspired this master.

Drawn from Italy: Mantegna to Kauffmann

A selection of drawings and prints from Te Papa’s collection featuring works dating from the late fifteenth to the late eighteenth century. All were created by artists who were Italian, or worked in Italy, or derived their subjects from Italian sources.

Sculpture Terrace

A VW van and a pine plantation on Te Papa’s roof? Experience The Big O.E. - a dramatic new installation by Michael Parekowhai.

New Zealand On Ice

Celebrate 50 years of New Zealand’s presence in Antarctica. Discover the challenges and achievements of the vital scientific exploration carried out in this awe-inspiring and hostile environment.

Splendours of Japan: Treasures from the Tokyo National Museum.

A spectacular showcase of Japanese art and culture, surveying some 5000 years of Japan’s history, and giving a taste of the beauty, elegance, and delicacy that characterise Japanese life.

Cézanne to Picasso: Paintings from the Julian and Josie Robertson Collection, New York

For one month only! An exhibition of superb works by some of the most famous painters in the history of modern art, made possible by the generosity of collectors Julian and Josie Robertson.

The Genetic Revolution

Designer babies! Gene therapy! GE food! Explore The Genetic Revolution! Immerse yourself in these extraordinary developments and possibilities - and the dilemmas and debates arising from them.

New Zealand in Bloom: The commercial art of Bernard Roundhill

New Zealand in Bloom introduces the work of Bernard Roundhill, founding father of commercial art in New Zealand. In creating some of our most famous brands, Roundhill also helped to shape our national identity.

Stamped: Celebrating New Zealand's Postal History

Stamped celebrates 150 years since New Zealand’s first stamps were created. Discover the stories behind rare and beautiful items, including from the Royal Philatelic Collection - some never before seen in New Zealand.

Culture Moves! Dance costumes of the Pacific

Across the Pacific, dance costume makers are artists in fibre, recorders of history, keepers of custom, and innovators with new materials. Enter the world of Pacific dance through this rich and diverse exhibition of dance costumes and adornments.

Te Awa Tupua: The Whanganui Iwi Exhibition

In partnership with Te Papa, Whanganui iwi present stories and taonga (treasures) from their unique Whanganui river culture, from Te Kāhui Maunga (the mountain clan) to Tangaroa (the sea).

Qui Tutto Bene: The Italians in New Zealand

An encounter with the life and style of a vibrant community.

The Biotechnology Roadshow

Advances in biotechnology are going to affect all New Zealanders. This exhibition offers you a unique chance to get to grips with the smart research - and the tough issues.

Duty Calls! War posters of World War II

From walls and windows everywhere, noble soldiers and citizens exhorted support for the war effort: Volunteer! Lend your money! Speed up production! Come and see why so many New Zealanders heeded the call.

Holbein to Hockney: Drawings from the Royal Collection

The art of drawing from one of the world’s great collections. Take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter works by master artists of five centuries. You will be inspired!

Jewelled - Adornments from the Pacific

This popular showcase of adornments from across the Pacific returns to Te Papa after touring New Zealand. Enjoy heritage items as well as contemporary Pacific-inspired works.

Antarctic Heroes - The race to the South Pole

Antarctic Heroes - The race to the South Pole portrays the dramatic era of Antarctic exploration and tells the epic stories of three of Antarctica’s greatest heroes - Captain Robert Scott, Roald Amundsen, and Ernest Shackleton.

Judy Darragh: So... You Made It?

An art project in collaboration with a contemporary New Zealand artist renowned for making uncommon art from everyday and ready-made materials.

John Kinder's New Zealand

Watercolours and photographs by a remarkable nineteenth-century artist present a unique insight into the changing scene of colonial New Zealand.

Kiri’s Dresses

An intimate glimpse of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa’s life and career through her dresses, opera costumes, personal memorabilia, photographs, and film footage.

Ngā Toko Rima

Out of the creation stories of fire, water, and earth, five leading Māori artists create powerful new works in clay.

Wings

A dynamic and interactive exhibition that presents the mysteries and marvels of flight in the natural world.

Dinosaurs from China

Take this rare opportunity to see some of the world's largest and finest dinosaur skeletons.

Small World, Big Town: Contemporary Art  from Te Papa.

This exhibition gives audiences an opportunity to see an exciting and diverse range of contemporary New Zealand art. Jointly curated by City Gallery Wellington and Te Papa, Small World, Big Town includes work by 28 New Zealand artists, drawn from the Te Papa visual art collections

Annie Bonza - Fashion Explosion

Annie Bonza has wowed the New Zealand fashion scene for more than 50 years. See vibrant, offbeat, and award-winning works by this extraordinary fashion designer.

Flowers and Foliage Photographs by Peter Black and Robert Mapplethorpe

Images of nature constrained as portrayed by two distinguished photographers: American Robert Mapplethorpe’s studio portraits of flowers contrast with Peter Black’s trees and plants in city environments.

Painting the view: English landscape watercolours 1760-1860

Luminous watercolours from Te Papa’s collection.