In this Museum you will find the intriguing social, cultural and maritime history of New Zealand's vibrant capital city.
'...one of the most interesting museums that we have ever been to. Thank you.'
Sebastian and Jimena, Chile
Traditional displays sit alongside the latest technology with interactive exhibits, holographs and a giant cinema screen that stretches up three floors. Wellington's maritime heritage is celebrated in a dedicated floor and is complemented by exhibitions to take you from early settler and Maori history through to the 20th century and today.
The Museum is housed in The Bond Store building which dates back to 1892 when it was a cargo warehouse. Careful restoration has preserved The Bond Store?s striking facade, as well as solid timber beams and the original flooring inside.
Close to 100,000 visitors come to the Museum each year to find the stories of Wellington. There are three floors of exhibitions with feature exhibitions changing throughout the year. Every winter the Sampler Season festival offers 8 weeks of free events.
The Museum is run as a non-profit organisation and is one of the institutions administered by the Wellington Museums Trust with major funding from Wellington City Council. You are welcome to review the Museum's strategic plan (PDF: 1.5MB).
