Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History

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.

Click here to view  on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Mon: 10AM – 5PM
Tues: 10AM – 5PM
Wed: 10AM – 5PM
Thurs: 10AM – 5PM  
Fri: 10AM – 5PM (Closes 4pm Dec 14)
Sat: 10AM – 5PM
Sun: 10AM – 5PM

(except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and New Year’s Day. Anzac Day open at 1pm)

Admission

General admission to the Museum and Art Gallery is free, while admission charges may apply to some exhibitions and programmes.
Admission charges for the New Zealand Rugby Museum can be found on the New Zealand Rugby Museum website.

Parking

• Pay and display public car parks are located on Main Street and directly in front of the main entrance of the Museum building on Main St.
• 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.

Important information for groups

Timing

It is important to keep to booking times and venues as early or late arrival will affect the quality of your visit and impact other booked groups.

On Arrival

Arrive in plenty of time for your programme and report to the reception desk in the Museum building. If you are booked for a programme, an educator will greet you in the foyer and guide you to the appropriate Education  Room or gallery. For self lead groups a Visitor Host at reception is available to answer your questions.

Education Rooms

There are three  education rooms; two downstairs in the Museum building, and one upstairs in the Art Gallery. These rooms are used for education programmes in addition to using gallery and exhibition areas.

Lunch Areas

• Eating is permitted in a designated space (Wilkins Room level 1 Museum building). This area is available for classes to use as a venue for morning/afternoon tea and lunch but must be booked in advance. Please indicate when booking if you will require use of this room.
• The open courtyard between the Museum building and Art Gallery is available as a lunch area for students (weather permitting). Note this area is also open to the public.
• No food or drink is permitted in galleries or exhibition areas.

Bag Storage

Trolleys to store students’ bags are available in the foyer of the Museum and Art Gallery for visiting groups. Ask a Visitor Host for access to these when you arrive. Do not leave valuables such as cameras, wallets in these trolleys or unattended in education rooms.

Make a group booking or enquiry

Access and Safety

• 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 or 06-355-5000

• 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 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 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.

• 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.

• 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 accompanied by the appropriate staff member.

Shop

The Te Manawa shop stocks a range of gift items including books, cards, local art and educational toys and puzzles. You can also pick up New Zealand rugby merchandise (supporting the New Zealand Rugby Museum) or even score a piece of a former exhibition. Take the time to browse and find something a little different.

Refreshments

Te Manawa is located a stone’s throw away from some of Palmerston North’s most popular cafes and restaurants. While Te Manawa does not offer an on-site cafe, tea and light refreshments can be arranged for groups and parties in advance of your visit.

Venue Hire

Te Manawa is one of Palmerston North’s most stimulating and attractive  venues. Our facilities are modern, well-equipped, comfortable and located in the cultural heart of the city, close to George Street.

Your guests will discover an exciting new museum experience. Our facilities can cater anything from small functions to hosting nearly 200 people.

• Rooms, Services and Equipment
• Birthday parties

Consider Te Manawa for your next

• Meeting Seminar
• Event Product Launch
• Wedding Party
• Special Occasion
• Or anything you can dream up…

Click here for more information on Venue hire