About Waikato Museum
For an inspirational experience, visit us on the banks of the Waikato River in the heart of Hamilton's cultural precinct.
Our exhibitions and activities tell the stories of this region and include visual art, social history, tangata whenua and science.
Highlights include the majestic waka Te Winika, the Tainui exhibition ‘Ngaa Pou Whenua’, stories from Tainui iwi; ‘Exscite’ - the fun hands-on science gallery for children; a quirky look at Hamilton’s history in ‘Never a Dull Moment’; the amazing natural history exhibition ‘Mighty River Waikato’ and our galleries which exhibit a rich blend of artworks from touring exhibitions and the museum’s own collection.
Waikato Museum in its current building was opened in 1987. Situated back from the road and near the banks of the Waikato River the building has five levels and 12 galleries. The architect was Ivan Mercep of JASMaD (now Jasmax), Auckland, the same architect who went on to design New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa. Mercep was awarded a prestigious Gold Medal by the Institute of Architects (June 2008) for his notable career.
To learn more about the Waikato Museum follow the links below:
- Exhibitions
- Activities and Events
- The Waikato Museum Collection
- Hiring the Museum for events and functions
- Education
- Contact details
- Latest media releases
Location
1 Grantham Street (at the South end of Victoria Street)
Hamilton
Phone: 07 838 6606
Parking and Access
There is a pay carpark next to Waikato Museum. The entrance to this is off Victoria Street, next to ArtsPost .There is also a parking building on Hood Street, within easy walking distance. Metered parking can be found on the streets close to Waikato Museum.
Opening hours
10am - 4.30pm daily , closed 25 December
Prices
Free entry - donation/koha welcome
Charges apply to some exhibitions and activities
Photography, filming and videoing
Please avoid directly photographing or filming any object on display at the Museum. You're welcome to photograph or film people and the general building itself. Your photos or footage must be for private use, rather than for public/commercial display or usage.
Media enquiries are welcome - please email us.