Current exhibitions
Explore stories across science, culture and the natural world in our range of current and upcoming exhibitions. Remember, Museum Members get unlimited free access to all paid exhibitions as well as many more benefits. Find out more about becoming a member here.
OPEN NOW
LEVEL 1
FREE WITH MUSEUM ENTRY
Te Ripo o Te Moana: Taonga Through Time brings together taonga Māori from the Museum’s collection in an exhibition exploring the richness and diversity of Māori creative practice.
Featuring whakairo rākau (wood carving), raranga (weaving), kōwhaiwhai (customary painting) and whakakai (body adornment), the exhibition spans both customary and contemporary Māori art. Through taonga from across Aotearoa, visitors will discover distinct making traditions, materials and visual languages shaped by the unique environment and materials of Aotearoa.
Banner Image: Tauihu, ethnology number 7375, Long-term deposit, King George V Royal Collection, 1925
OPEN NOW
TĀMAKI HERENGA WAKA GALLERY, GROUND FLOOR
FREE WITH MUSEUM ENTRY
Step into The Future of our Fruit, an interactive digital experience exploring the science behind the fruit in your lunchbox.
Discover the hidden power of plant genes that fruit trees can use to cope with a changing climate and make our fruit healthier. Explore how different traits can help trees become more resilient, and see what it takes to grow fruit for the future.
ON NOW
Feel the Mana of 1970s protest in print, in the new exhibition that spotlights the groundbreaking newspaper that platformed Māori and Pacific voices across some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most defining years in activism.
Upcoming exhibitions
Want to know what's coming to your Museum? Explore our upcoming exhibitions here and sign up for our What's On e-newsletter to be first to know when tickets are on sale!
SPRING 2026 – APR 2027
March of the Triceratops brings to life one of the world’s most iconic dinosaurs, revealing how these extraordinary creatures lived, moved, and survived millions of years ago.
Coming to Auckland Museum as the exclusive Australasian venue during its world tour, the exhibition features the only known Triceratops herd ever discovered, with a rare group of five recently excavated fossils.
March of the Triceratops is a collaboration between Naturalis Biodiversity Center, and Museumspartner, both based in Europe.
JUN 2027 – OCT 2027
Discover the brilliance of the Ming dynasty in Ming: The Golden Empire. This stunning exhibition explores revolutionary social change, artistic achievement, and cultural richness through treasures from Nanjing Museum that rarely leave China. From imperial luxuries to everyday objects, journey through one of China’s greatest eras, all brought to life with striking visuals, films, and interactive displays.
Ming: The Golden Empire is produced by Nomad Exhibitions in association with Nanjing Museum.
Past exhibitions
Missed an exhibition? Explore our online content and exhibition archive here.
SUN 28 JUN 2026 - SUN 13 SEP 2026
AUAHA ĀTEA NUI, SPECIAL EXHIBITION SUITE
FREE WITH MUSEUM ENTRY
This exhibition shined a light on powerful and fascinating images that captured hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.
WED 10 DEC - MON 1 JUN 2026
Dive into the awe-inspiring world of ocean giants. Explore life-sized sharks, ancient predators, and interactive experiences — thrilling, educational, and unforgettable for all ages.
SUN JUN 28 - SUN 19 OCT 2025
From opera goddesses and silent movie stars to Hollywood legends and today’s global megastars, this spectacular international exhibition came exclusively to Auckland Museum from the V&A in London. Including show-stopping costumes, fashion, photography, and music, DIVA explored the power, ambition, and artistry of some of the most legendary performers in history.
Go beyond the walls of the Museum to discover past exhibitions online, as well as bonus content from current special exhibitions.
Go back through the years of Auckland Museum exhibitions.