Discover nature’s vampires and the legends they’ve inspired. 

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Bloodsuckers exhibition, sculpture

Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches

ON NOW. UNTIL SUN 27 APR.
ADULT $22, CHILD 5-15 $11, UNDER 5 FREE
FAMILY (2 ADULT + 2 CHILD) $59
CONCESSIONS (STUDENTS & SENIORS) $20

FREE FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS

Meet the bloodsuckers! From spine-chilling stories to life-saving science, Bloodsuckers explores the biology of blood and the creatures that crave it. Including larger-than-life sculptures, interactives, games and more – come face to face with the fearsome creatures that have played friend - or foe - to mankind for millennia.

It's a matter of life, death, and dinner. 

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Child looking at a display in the Bloodsuckers exhibition

Explore the biology of blood and the creatures that crave it

Did you know that only the female mosquitos suck blood? Bloodsuckers explores the incredible diversity, evolution and interconnected world of nature’s vampires. 

Learn about the everyday – and the more exotic - bloodfeeders that live in our ecosystems; they’re abundant, diverse, and play a critical role in our natural world. Discover facts about your own blood, and how it sustains life not just for you - but also for the animals that feed on it.  

You’ll also be introduced to Aotearoa’s very own bloodsuckers, some might be familiar - and some may surprise you! 

Meet Dracula at the Bloodsuckers exhibition

Meet the legends inspired by nature’s vampires

For centuries bloodfeeders have inspired our imaginations through both fear and fantasy.

Discover the truth about vampires, how their myths originated, and the stories about other fantastical bloodthirsty creatures from around the world.

See how people have imagined bloodsuckers in popular culture, from the fearsome Count Dracula to the comical Hollywood versions in movies like Hotel Transylvania.  

Bloodsuckers exhibition

Explore the science and stories behind the bite

Did you know that barbers used to perform surgery and bloodletting? Or that leeches are used in medicine today? 

Explore the fascinating story of bloodfeeders role in science and medicine dating back over 3,000 years. You’ll find out how scientists have used bloodsuckers to help battle diseases, like malaria, helping save millions of lives around the world.

Bloodsuckers exhibition

A bloody good time

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS

  • An expansive display of over 200 objects and specimens, from taxidermy birds and vampire bats to leeches, lampreys and fossilised insects

  • A mini-movie theatre starring legendary bloodthirsty creatures and characters from popular culture 

  • An array of life-sized sculptures featuring legendary bloodsuckers from cultures across the world

  • Larger-than-life-sized models of a mosquito, leech, and black fly

  • An extensive selection of objects - from original movie memorabilia, vintage toys, and first editions such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula, to an historical vampire hunting kit

  • A recreation of a barber’s bloodletting station with interactive apothecary drawers telling the story of bloodletting in medicine

 

Disclaimer: There is no real or simulated blood on display in this exhibition. There is, however, content about blood and bleeding. Please be mindful if you are sensitive to visuals or descriptions of blood. 

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tickets

Book your preferred time to enter and stay as long as you like. 

ADULT $22, CHILD 5-15 $11, UNDER 5 FREE
FAMILY (2 ADULT + 2 CHILD) $59
CONCESSIONS (STUDENTS & SENIORS WITH ID) $20

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Museum Membership

Our Membership options start from $50 and unlock unlimited free entry to paid exhibitions, discounted event tickets, invites to exclusive Members' only sessions and more.

 

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Membership exhibition via WAM
Blood Drive at Auckland Museum

Bloodsuckers Blood Drive

TUE 25 FEB, 1.30PM - 6.30PM
TUE 15 APR, 1.30PM - 6.30PM
UNDER THE DOME, LEVEL 3

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Our last Bloodsuckers Blood Drive was such a success that we’re holding more! Auckland Museum has again partnered with New Zealand Blood Service for a blood drive in the Museum's iconic Under the Dome rooftop space. This unique setting offers panoramic views of Tāmaki Makaurau while you make a life-saving difference.

On Tuesday 25 February and Tuesday 15 April, the Museum's iconic Under the Dome rooftop space will transform into a one-of-a-kind blood donation site, offering panoramic views of Tāmaki Makaurau.

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Additional experiences

As part of the exhibition we've designed a range of ways to expand your Bloodsuckers experience. 

See more and save 15%

Buy a ticket to see a Museum Movies 3D film along with your ticket to special exhibition Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches for the same day, and you’ll receive a 15% discount off your purchase*.

This offer can be redeemed online or at our ticket desks at the Museum. When booking online, add film tickets to your order and you'll be promoted to add another film title or exhibition tickets, to receive your 15% discount. 

Note: family discounts and Museum Member discounts cannot be used in addition to this special discount.

*Offer only applies to full-priced individual tickets. 
 

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More to explore

Enhance your visit

Grab a bite to eat at one of our cafés or stop by the Museum Store to claim your stake of Bloodsuckers.

Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches is produced and circulated by ROM (Royal Ontario Museum), Toronto, Canada.

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