Nau mai
Haere mai
Discover a place that celebrates imagination and the dreamers who dared to do.
Where innovation and expression stand hand in hand in a museum for the future. Where our treasures are kept so our stories take flight.
Discover a regional museum that’s home to more than 200,000 objects and is ready to welcome you. Where our heart beats, in every sound, shape and colour.
Te Manawa acknowledges mana whenua - the people of Rangitāne - their particular cultural, spiritual, historical, and traditional association with Manawatū, and who provide valuable guidance, collaboration and kaitiakitanga.
Getting here
Te Manawa is located between the Globe Theatre and the Palmerston North Convention Centre at 326 Main Street, Palmerston North. It’s only a short walk from the Square and City Library. We’re open daily from 10am – 5pm.
Parking
Paid public car parks are located on Main Street and directly in front of the main entrance of the Museum building on Main St. Please direct all parking enquiries to Palmerston North City Council
A bus drop off zone is also located in front of this entrance.
Bus and van parking is available near the Child Youth and Family building on Church Street or on Pitt Street next to the Globe.
Admission
General admission to the Museum and Art Gallery is free, while admission charges may apply to some exhibitions and programmes. Donations are most welcome.
Admission charges for the New Zealand Rugby Museum can be found on the New Zealand Rugby Museum website.
During your visit…
Please look out for your tamariki! All children aged 14 and under must be accompanied and always supervised while inside the Museum.
No kai. Food and drink are not permitted in galleries.
Photos are mostly ok! You are welcome to take non-flash photos and videos for personal, non-commercial use when visiting, unless there are restrictions within a particular gallery - these will be clearly signposted. Remember to respect the space and privacy of other visitors.
Leave your baggage behind. Museum staff reserve the right to inspect the bags of visitors. Large bags and backpacks may not be permitted in galleries. To avoid embarrassment, please arrange for these to be stored prior to, or upon arrival.
Refreshments
Te Manawa does not offer an on-site cafe, but coffee is available during selected hours each day. We’re also just a stone’s throw away from some of Palmerston North’s most popular cafes and restaurants. Ask us about our favourites – we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Accessibility
Wheelchairs
Both the Museum and Gallery buildings are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are also available for visitors upon request. Please advise our Visitor Hosts in advance if you, or a guest require a wheelchair so that we can ensure it is not in use, and ready for you upon arrival. You can call our front desk on 0800-4-A-MUSEUM.
Elevators
Three elevators are available for public use within the complex. One located in the Gallery building near Gallery One, and two in the Museum building: opposite front desk, and near the toilets and first aid on Level One.
Toilets
Accessible and gender-inclusive toilets are located on Level One in the Gallery Building, and Levels One and Two in the Museum Building. Please follow signage.
Safety
First Aid
First Aid Kits, sick bay and a defibrillator are available within the Museum. If you require any assistance please notify our Visitor Hosts as soon as possible. If you witness any behavior or hazard that has the potential to place yourself or any other visitor at risk, please alert any member of staff immediately.
Contractors and On-Site visitors
Contractors and on-site visitors accessing any part of the Museum not designated as a public area (staff offices, workshop, collections stores) must be signed in and visitors should be accompanied by the appropriate staff member.
Earthquake and emergency
In the event of any emergency, please follow the instructions of staff members who are trained in first aid and evacuation procedures. The assembly point for the Museum building is located in the main carpark at the front of the complex. The Gallery building assembles on the grass area located between the Gallery entrance and Convention Centre on Main St.
Some areas within the Te Manawa complex have been assessed as ‘Earthquake Prone’. For more information on the seismic strengthening project please consult one of the Visitor Hosts at front desk, where more information is available.
Health
A defibrillator is available on site.
Te Manawa remains committed to helping prevent the spread of illness such as cold, flu and Covid-19.
Because of the interactive nature of its exhibits, Te Manawa recommends the use of hand soap and sanitisers as an added protection against the transfer of viruses through touch and shared surfaces.
Our spaces are mask-friendly. We welcome the use of protective face coverings to help reduce the spread of illness. Please respect our staff and other guests who choose to wear them.
There are no restrictions placed on visitor numbers for the purpose of Covid-19 public health and/or physical distancing. Any restrictions on gathering numbers revert to those in place for fire and other emergency evacutations only. For more information on our venue capacity limits, please ask our friendly hosts or see further details on the venue hire section of this website.
If you’re unwell, please consider changing your plans and visiting us once you’re feeling better.