Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand

Remembering those in the Aotearoa New Zealand and Pacific art world

  • A black and white photo of a man looking at the camera.

    Selwyn Muru, 1937–2024

    Selwyn Muru, (Ngāti Kurī, Te Aupōuri, Te Pātū, Ngāti Rēhia, Muri Kahara, Te Whakatōhea) passed away in January 2024. Muru was a gifted and influential artist, as well as a writer, broadcaster, teacher and orator. Here, Contemporary Art Curator Hanahiva Rose reflects on Muru’s work and legacy.

  • A man standing behind transparent curtains.

    Jim Allen, artist, 1922–2023

    New Zealand artist, teacher, and critic Jim Allen passed away on the 9th of June, at the age of 100. Allen was one of the most influential, visionary figures of his generation. Here Curator Modern Art Lizzie Bisley and Curator Contemporary Art Nina Tonga reflect on his work and remarkable legacy.

  • A black and white portrait of a woman looking at the camera with her chin resting on her hand.

    Ans Westra, photographer (1936–2023)

    New Zealand photographer Ans Westra passed away on 26 February 2023 at age 86. Here curator of photography Athol McCredie reflects on some aspects of Westra’s work.

  • A man in an artist's studio

    John Edgar ONZM, 1950–2021

    Stone carver, sculptor and environmentalist, John Edgar has been a central figure in stone carving since the early 1980s. Here, Curator Decorative Art and Design Justine Olsen reflects on Edgar’s rich practice and influence on Aotearoa New Zealand’s stone carving and sculpting. 

  • Two sheep shearers

    Remembering Marti Friedlander

    It is with sadness that we at Te Papa learned photographer Marti Friedlander passed away in Auckland on Monday 15 November.

  • Watercolour painting of three people squeezed into a blue car. A women is in the middle and two men in white T-shirt with blue stripes sit either side of her

    Douglas MacDiarmid

    We warmly remember Douglas MacDiarmid (1922–2020) with six colourful sketches he drew of his friend Helen Hitchings hitchhiking through France in 1953.

    Closed

    4 Nov 2020 – 15 Jan 2021

    Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga