About Us
Since its opening in 1998, Te Papa has built a worldwide reputation for its fresh and bold approach to presenting a nation’s treasures and stories. In that time, over ten million people have come to enjoy this unique museum experience.
Te Papa is a waharoa, a gateway, to an encounter with the essence of New Zealand’s land and people. Wonderful taonga (Māori cultural treasures), art, and objects are presented through fascinating stories, thought-provoking interpretations, and engaging interactives.
Over the five floors of our huge building, you can explore the breadth of the New Zealand story - from the shaping of its land to the spirit of its diverse peoples, from its unique wildlife to its distinctive visual culture.
You will encounter Māori, New Zealand’s indigenous people, through authentic portrayals of their traditions and living culture as well as Te Papa’s unique Marae (communal meeting place), a setting that all visitors are encouraged to connect with.
Underpinning the exhibition experience are Te Papa’s collections, managed and made accessible by world-class curatorship. The collections are developed and enhanced by ongoing programmes of research.
Our Concept, Act, Mission, and Corporate Principles.
How is Te Papa governed? Our governance arrangements and profiles of our Board members.
The bicultural partnership, Te Papa’s organisational structure, and profiles of our leadership team.
Copies of our recent corporate documents including the Statement of Intent and Annual Report.
At Te Papa, the waharoa signifies entry into a place where hospitality and respect are extended to visitors.
Te Papa is a landmark building on Wellington’s waterfront. Its positioning reflects the vision that the Museum should be part of the living city, an active member of the wider community. Its design also embodies key ideas about national identity.
New Zealand’s national museum, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa), is the successor of an institution and tradition that began shortly after Wellington became the seat of New Zealand’s colonial government.