What is a Night At Auckland Museum?

For nearly twenty years the tamariki of Auckland have discovered the Museum under the cover of darkness at Night at Auckland Museum - but what exactly is that?

Little boy dressed as a pirate using a torch to explore the Museum at night

If setting your kids loose to run about in a darkened museum sounds a bit like a bull in a China shop situation – we totally get it. Guiding young children in between precious taonga in a serious heritage building might not be everyone’s idea of school holiday fun -but with Night at Auckland Museum, all that is turned on its head.

Night at Auckland Museum is your Museum completely reimagined. Specifically designed to give your tamariki free reign to roam, the evening is part show, part adventure trail, and fun for the whole family. Your kids will lead the way on an evening packed with things to do, see, and experience.

For nearly twenty years, Night at Auckland Museum has delighted a generation of families – quite literally. We’re thrilled to now be seeing parents who attended as kids bringing their own tamariki for a night of torchlit discoveries. The thousands of whānau who have attended in the past know that even though the building stays the same, everything inside it changes. You can expect new characters, activities, sets and surprises – all to be discovered in the dark.

Storytelling session at Night at Auckland Museum — Our colourful characters will transport tamariki a world away

Torchlit discoveries from Night at Auckland Museum 2019

Night at Auckland Museum actors — Our cast of actors from way back in 2009!

Family dressed up for Night at Auckland Museum

Each year the evenings revolve around a theme, and this year we’re embracing the exemplary with Night at Auckland Museum: Superstars. Waiting for you throughout the Museum is a fabulous cast of characters who will reveal the secrets to becoming a superstar. Our superstars will show you what it means to be a stand-out, in whatever speciality you take a shine to. The superstars will reveal the secret elements that make them successful; whether its grit, determination, dance moves or something totally magical.

One of the most beloved moments in the evening, is the Auditorium theatre show. This year we’re presenting Recipe for... Success where our celebrity chefs will be enlisting your help to bring together all the ingredients needed to serve up superstardom.

Whichever adventure you choose on the night, there’s an interactive story waiting to be uncovered. Every child is encouraged to step into the spotlight and find confidence and curiosity. With our superstar actors, kids aren’t just spectators – they’re co-stars.

So come along, dress-up, and unleash your inner superstar for an unforgettable evening of family fun. Grab your torches and experience the Museum as you never have before.