Due in large part to its inclusion in The Times, London’s list of the world’s 50 most popular museums, the Wellington Museum has become a must-see for visitors from all over the world.
Located on Queen Wharfs in Wellington, New Zealand, the venue occupies the historic Bond Store, which once served as storage for the goods brought in by ships and sailors.
The path is accessible by cable car and is a short two-minute walk from Lambton Quay, the geographic center of Wellington.
Entrance is free for all visitors, although reservations are required for school field excursions, university research groups, and commercial operators. However, they might be held accountable with charges. It is open every day except Christmas Day, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If you’re taking kids on your trip to New Zealand, the flight over might be a learning experience in itself. The museum has a firm footing in the marine history of Wellington, which has been a part of New Zealand since the early 18th century.
The Bond Store
As soon as you walk through the doors of the museum, you’ll be taken back in time to the early 19th century, when the structure was used as a Bond Store to store goods brought in from overseas.
Telling Tales
The twentieth century was a time of unprecedented prosperity for Wellington’s economy, trade, culture, and society, and this exhibit tells that tale. The name “The Coolest Little Capital” was coined to describe Wellington during this time.
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Maritime History
Wellington is renowned for its rich maritime heritage, which covers a wide range of topics and peoples associated with the sea and maritime life. A variety of weathered, abandoned ships fill this section of the museum and are laden with artifacts to give you a real feel for the past.
It’s okay to take your time in a real captain’s quarters. In addition, the tour guide will enlighten you with stories about a dog named Paddy, the Wanderer.
Wahine Theatre
In this section, you’ll find a theatrical retelling of a tragic event from Wellington’s maritime history that will move and inspire you. Theatrics is directed by renowned New Zealander filmmaker Gaylene Preston.
Von Kohorn Room
The Wellington Harbour Board, a powerful government agency, once held meetings here. Grand and sumptuous, with an air of bygone majesty, it was the site of one of the most astounding and crucial decisions in light of Wellington’s health and fortune.
In the same chamber, the decision to prohibit the use of nuclear weapons in the Wellington port harbor was made.
Ngā Heke
The museum’s great creative atmosphere features a loud, booming portrayal and depiction of tribal and modern life of the nativity thanks to the skill and imagination of Maori artists and writers.
Particularly significant is the inclusion of Te Whanganui a Tara, the most precious taonga, in the display. The show has a gallery-like ambiance that is sure to leave visitors with thoughts to ponder and topics to discuss with others.
The Attic
The Attic takes you on a journey through Wellington’s maritime past with a twist of strange theatric spelling, and it’s a location where you’ll need to temporarily suspend your senses. Its utopian collection of items, from lions to flying saucers, makes for a refreshingly offbeat addition to any museum outing.
This increases your contact with the unusual, the out of the ordinary, and the imaginative, so do some digging, strike up a conversation, and make the most of it.
Ngā Hau
This interactive museum exhibit explores Wellington’s past through the eyes of its residents, who share their personal tales in a relaxed and conversational setting.
Ng Hau was co-created by Perceptual Engineering and the Wellington Museum.
The Frederick de Jersey Clere Room
This section of the museum is reportedly where the famous architect Frederick de Jersey Clere conceived of his overall vision for the institution. Originally, the building was freight storage for the Bond Story.
Over the course of the past few decades, it has been transformed into a museum that has done an excellent job of preserving Wellington’s extensive history and heritage.
This is the ideal area in the building to appreciate Frederick’s careful attention to design detail. It retains the original blueprints, which show why this building is considered one of the most important in New Zealand and a testament to its architectural significance.