Collections & ResearchThe formation of Auckland Museum’s first collections began in 1852, when the Museum was first established, and they have been growing ever since. These collections were initially designed to preserve and display the 'exotic' flora and fauna of the new country, and the arts, crafts and relics of its people, as well as to reflect the original cultures of the newly arrived settlers. During the second half of the 19th Century, Auckland Museums collections grew rapidly. Impressive New Zealand natural history collections, and profoundly important archaeological and ethnographic Maori collections were assembled. Read more » RECENT ACQUISITIONSAuckland Museum is an institution fondly regarded by organisations and individuals who share our passion for collection, for scholarship, and for ensuring that the Museum collections are accessible and enjoyed by all. Read here about recent Acquisitions at Auckland Museum. NATURAL HISTORYAuckland Museum's natural history collections contain almost 1.5 million specimens, mostly from New Zealand and the Pacific. Read more about the Botany, Entomology, Land Vertebrates and the Marine Collections. HUMAN HISTORYAuckland Museum protects and cares for nearly 200,000 human history objects, in collections that have been developed and cared for over 150 years. Read more about the Applied & Decorative Arts, Archaeology, Ethnology and the New Zealand History Collections. PICTORIAL COLLECTIONSThe Auckland Museum’s Pictorial Collection, consisting of photographs, paintings and drawings, is truly world class. View the Sparrow Collection, the Robin Morrison Collection, the paintings and drawings collection, photograph albums, glass plates and negatives and the print collections. CONSERVATIONThe aim of the Auckland Museum Conservation Department is to maintain and if possible, improve the condition of the collections so that they can be usefully studied, exhibited and interpreted. REGISTRATIONAuckland Museum’s Registration section oversees all object movements in and out of the building, and are responsible for managing acquisitions and maintaining the collection database. ![]() COLLECTION & RESEARCH DATABASESEnjoy quick and easy access to a selection of behind-the-scenes online Collection databases. These links will allow you to search a small portion of data about the Museum collections, representing less than 1% of the total collection items. Other parts of the collection will be made available in the future. ![]() LIBRARY RESOURCESAuckland Museum is home to one of New Zealand's finest research libraries and hosts information centres and services specialising in aspects of the Museum's expertise and collection areas. Enjoy easy access to our extensive research and resource material. |
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