MTG Hawke’s Bay Museum is a modern cultural institution in Napier that combines a
museum, art gallery, and archive in one space. It presents the history, culture, and creative
heritage of the Hawke’s Bay region.
The museum features rotating exhibitions, permanent displays, and interactive galleries. It is
suitable for travelers interested in art, local history, and cultural learning
- 🏛️ Explore the Taonga Māori Gallery 🐚 featuring ancestral carvings, textiles, and weapons that celebrate Ngāti Kahungunu heritage
- 🌋 Experience the 1931 Earthquake Exhibition 🏚️—watch survivor documentaries and see artifacts buckled by the force of the quake
- 👩⚖️ Visit the 2026 feature “Hidden in History: Trailblazing Women of Hawke’s Bay” 📜 celebrating 26 unsung local leaders (Entry is Free)
- 🎨 View “Dark Waters” 🌊—a poignant print exhibition by Anthony Davies reflecting on the community spirit following Cyclone Gabrielle
- 🖼️ Discover “Art Deco on the Edge” 🎩 (on display until Jan 18, 2026) marking a century of the design movement that rebuilt the city
- 🛍️ Browse the Museum Store 🎁 for high-quality New Zealand-made jewelry, art books, and unique Art Deco replicas
- 👣 On Foot: Easy access 👟 from the Art Deco Centre (1 min walk) and right across from the i-SITE on Marine Parade 🌊
- 🚗 By Car: Metered street parking is available 🅿️ on Tennyson Street and Herschell Street 📍
- 🚌 By Bus: Take any city-bound bus 🚍 to the Dalton Street terminal; it’s a 5-minute walk from there 🚶
- 🕰️ Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM 🕔 (Closed Christmas Day)
- 🎟️ Admission: Entry is Free for all visitors 💰, though donations are welcome to support the trust
- ⏳ Stay Duration: Allow 1.5 to 2 hours 🕰️ to cover all three floors, especially if you plan to watch the earthquake films 🎥
- ♿ Accessibility: The building is fully accessible ♿ with elevators to all floors and entrances on both the street and parade sides
- 🏛️ 10:00 AM – Enter via Tennyson St 📍 and start in the basement to experience the Earthquake Gallery 🌋
- 🐚 11:00 AM – Move to the Taonga Māori Gallery 🗿 to see the region’s most significant cultural artifacts
- 🎨 11:45 AM – Explore the 2nd-floor art galleries 🖼️ and catch the Trailblazing Women exhibition 📜
- 🍽️ 13:00 PM – Enjoy lunch at Magnet Café 🥐 or Hunger Monger 🐟 just a block away on Marine Parade
- 🌊 14:30 PM – Walk along Marine Parade 🚶 toward the Sunken Gardens to reflect on the day’s history
