Rotorua Museum opens for one-day public visit after nearly 10-year closure
After nearly 10 years of closure, Rotorua Museum is ready to let the community see what $70 million of restoration work has achieved.
Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa Rotorua Museum will host a special Community Open Day on Saturday, November 21.
The opportunity would let people explore the beautifully restored building and reconnect with spaces that had been inaccessible to the public for almost a decade, a Rotorua Lakes Council statement said.
Along the way, people will learn about one of New Zealand’s most complex heritage restoration projects and get a behind-the-scenes look at future exhibitions that will showcase the stories and taonga of Rotorua when the museum reopens in mid-to-late 2028.
The $73.55m restoration project was funded with $15.5m from the council, $41.45m from the Government and other public funding sources, and $15m from Rotorua Trust, with additional support from private fundraising, Local Democracy Reporting reported earlier this year.
Visitors can also enjoy a day out in the Government Gardens with live entertainment, food trucks and family-friendly activities.
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says the event is a chance to thank the community for its ongoing support throughout Rotorua Museum’s restoration journey.
“Our Rotorua Museum is such a treasure for our community, and this event is an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come on the journey to fixing the building and reopening it once again for all to enjoy.
“This is a chance to come together as a community, experience the remarkable restoration work that’s been completed, and look ahead to the next chapter of memories, learning and connection in the Rotorua Museum.”
Visitors can also hear directly from the people behind the project through two one-hour ticketed talks at 11am and 2pm.
The sessions will give attendees the opportunity to learn what it took to complete the building’s restoration and hear what’s planned for future exhibitions.
Talks are limited to 47 attendees per session. Tickets are $10 a head and can be booked online in advance.
Visitors will also have several opportunities to support Friends of the Museum fundraising efforts throughout the day, including making an online donation, purchasing raffle tickets, visiting the Friends of the Museum retail stand, or participating in a silent auction.
The auction will feature a limited-edition signed Dick Frizzell print and an original artwork by Toni Armstrong, with all proceeds and donations supporting the Rotorua Museum exhibition programme.
The council acknowledged Watts & Hughes Construction, the key contractor behind the Rotorua Museum restoration, which has joined the Community Open Day as the event’s Fund Matching Partner.
Watts & Hughes Construction will match all public donations made during the Community Open Day, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, in support of future Rotorua Museum exhibitions.
The event is also supported by media partner The Hits Rotorua . The radio station’s announcer Paul Hickey will be MC on the day.
The Hits Rotorua and the Rotorua Daily Post are both owned by NZME.
Planning your visit
Bring your whānau, pack a picnic blanket, and make a day of it in the beautiful Government Gardens.
Doors to the museum will open at 10.30am, with last entry at 3pm. Entry will be carefully managed throughout the day to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, and queues may occur during peak periods.
Picnics are welcome in the Government Gardens.
To help protect neighbouring facilities, visitors are asked not to use the Rotorua Bowling Club and Croquet Club lawns.
Event details
Rotorua Museum Community Open Day
- Saturday, November 21
- 10am-3pm
- Museum doors open 10.30am
- Free entry
- Free event parking in the Government Gardens. Accessible parking available
- Water bottles are permitted inside the museum. Food is not permitted inside the building
- This is an accessible event. Staff and volunteers will be available to assist visitors
- The open day will proceed rain or shine. Some outdoor activities are weather dependent
- Follow the Rotorua Lakes Council Facebook page for event updates