A museum of the people

Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and Heritage is a unique destination, a custodian of important collections of taonga Māori, New Zealand art, and social and natural history.

Visitors can step into days gone by and take part in its stories, or immerse themselves in the science that makes our everyday world tick.

It is people who make Te Manawa special. It is a place where diverse communities can “walk backwards into the future” together: look to the past to inform what they do next. Te Manawa’s community engagement and learning programmes draw people in, connect them with each other and celebrate our collective mana. Every day, people can join in and have their horizons expanded.

If people are the heart of Te Manawa, then exhibitions represent the mind. An ever-changing calendar of exhibitions explores the past, provides information for the present and asks questions about the future. Five dedicated art galleries present a cultural programme of expression from photography and sculpture through to works by contemporary Māori artists. Art, science and heritage intersect, with inspiring and surprising outcomes.

Te Manawa’s semi-permanent exhibitions have a strong Manawatū focus. Te Awa – The River follows the Manawatū River from its source high in the ranges, through the city to the sea. Te Rangi Whenua shares the stories of iwi groups in the Manawatū, Rangitīkei and Horowhenua regions, and Manawatū Journeys follows the development of post-settlement society through to the present day. All have free entry.

Te Manawa is also home to Palmerston North’s historic Santa’s Cave. A seasonal landmark for more than a century, Santa’s Cave is a kitschy romp through a North Pole imagined by generations of model-makers and craftsmen. It moved to its permanent place at Te Manawa after the Farmers Department Store relocated to the Plaza, and continues to delight and amuse locals and visitors alike in December each year.

Te Manawa is one of Palmerston North’s most stimulating and attractive venues located in the cultural heart of the city. The Te Manawa shop stocks a range of gift items including books, cards, local art and educational toys and puzzles. It also features New Zealand rugby merchandise (supporting the New Zealand Rugby Museum) and sometimes a piece of a former exhibition. Take the time to browse and find something a little different. ▸ Te Manawa Museum of Art Science and Heritage is open daily. (closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).

Free General Admission, charges may apply to some exhibitions.

Visit www.temanawa.co.nz for visitor information, venue hire, or the latest information on current and upcoming attractions. 326 Main St, Palmerston North.

Ph: 0800 4 A MUSEUM or 06-355-5000

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Te Manawa Museum

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