Te Aka Matua Library & Information Centre offers a welcoming and comfortable area for visitors to browse a selection of books and magazines linked to Te Papa’s exhibitions and collections. You can also view here a selection of Te Papa’s photographs, as well as purchase prints from this collection. And you can access Tai Awatea | Knowledge Net - Te Papa’s online database that contains in-depth information about objects in present and past Te Papa exhibitions.
Te Aka Matua is a major research and reference resource, with particular strengths in New Zealand, Māori, natural history, art, and photography. The art section contains extensive information about New Zealand art and artists. The Library also holds a large collection of artists’ files, see below for details and an index.
There is also substantial material on the management and storage of museum collections, and a number of specialist collections covering a variety of areas.
Te Aka Matua Library & Information Centre is open every day of the year from 10am until 6pm.
The Hector Room
Te Aka Matua, the Hector Room is located in our Tory Street building, and is named after the first director of the Colonial Museum and New Zealand Institute, Sir James Hector.
The Hector Room mainly houses international journals that focus on natural history. Access to the public is preferably by appointment. A library staff member is available in the Hector Room between the hours of 9.00am - 12.00 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Artists’ files
Te Aka Matua holds over 5,000 individual files on New Zealand and international artists, Te Papa’s exhibitions, and other related subjects. New material is added daily. Each file includes articles, small exhibition catalogues, invitations, and other ephemera.
These files are available for reference use only. To view them, you need to visit Te Aka Matua. Photocopying facilities are available for any material you wish to copy
Index
Click on the links below to browse the list: