Feed your lifelong curiosity with an Auckland Museum Institute Membership with exclusive access to inspirational lectures on contemporary research, science, literature and history. 

 

Welcome to the Auckland Museum Institute

Welcome to the Auckland Museum Institute

Established in 1867, the Auckland Museum Institute, an independent voluntary run organisation and the Auckland Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi, is a facilitator of lifelong learning and knowledge sharing, engaging their member audiences through premium lecture programmes and events, in support of Auckland Museum and its endeavours. For more than 150 years, the Auckland Museum Institute (or AMI) has played a unique role in the governance of Auckland Museum by appointing four members to the Museum Trust Board.

More about AMI

A journey of discovery

A journey of discovery

Your AMI Membership provides you with a chance to experience and understand the Museum’s taonga in a way shared only by a few. For just $75 per year, you’ll receive exclusive exhibition previews and invites to after hours events, such as Café Scientifique and Museum Medals. You’ll also have access to the Museum’s curatorial team and Director through annual talks and tours.   

See upcoming events

See <em>Egypt: In the Time of Pharaohs</em> - for FREE!
UNLIMITED FREE ENTRY TO PAID EXHIBITIONS

See Egypt: In the Time of Pharaohs - for FREE!

Discover everyday life in one of the most fabled cultures in human history. Through hundreds of artefacts, stunning artwork and interactives, gain insights into the public, private, and sacred spaces of ancient Egyptian people, and their impact on our own culture.

Share the experience by adding a Friends & Whānau pass when you sign up, so you can always bring someone along to the exhibition with you.

Read more

Get exclusive discounts at Rialto Cinemas

Get exclusive discounts at Rialto Cinemas

As a Museum Member, you’ll receive $12.50* movie tickets at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket every night of the week, including Friday and Saturday. Just show your Membership card at the Cinema to book your tickets.

*Valid on presentation of your Museum Membership card in cinema only. Not available to purchase online. Excludes Beyond Film, alternate content, film festivals, special events and screenings. 3D tickets are $15.50. One discount per session per person who presents their Museum Membership card.  

AMI Cafés
CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE & HUMANITIES

AMI Cafés

On the last Tuesday of every second month we organize a facilitated discussion in the Orientation Space behind Te Ao Mārama at the Museum. After a short presentation by an expert in their field, the floor is open for questions and debate.

Topics range from science, politics, economics, psychology, and sustainability to New Zealand’s space programme, and more.

The format allows for discussion from the audience which only enhances the evening with personal anecdotes which often brings colourful discussion to the topic on the night.

Full benefits of an Auckland Museum Institute Membership

 

  • Unlimited free entry to paid special exhibitions 
  • Free General Admission
  • Exclusive exhibition previews and after hours events
  • Invitations to regular curatorial talks or behind the scenes tours
  • Guided highlights tour of the Museum for up to two people
  • Invitations to Hochsetter and Lucy Cranwell lectures
  • Invitations to special institute events including Café Scientifique and Museum
  • Medals Gala Evening
  • 10% discount on food and beverage at the Museum cafés
  • 10% discount at the Museum Store* 
  • Discounts on films at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket
  • Discounted or free parking at selected Membership events 
  • Priority booking and/or discounts for selected Museum events
  • Annual Director’s presentation and Museum update
  • Exclusive AMI email newsletter (quarterly)
  • Monthly Membership email newsletters

 

If you'd like to purchase multiple Memberships, please email us at membership@aucklandmuseum.com and our Membership team will be happy to assist you. 

* Excludes sales and promotions. Discount not currently available for online purchases.

Buy for yourself

 

or buy as a gift
Add up to three Friends & Whānau passes to your Membership

Add up to three Friends & Whānau passes to your Membership

BRING FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO ANY OF OUR EXHIBITIONS, MEMBERS' EVENTS OR PREVIEWS

Add up to three Friends & Whānau passes for $25 each when you sign up online or purchase at the Museum, for our Museum Member or Auckland Museum Institute Membership types. Tautoko Members automatically receive three Friends & Whānau passes included with their Membership. Friends & Whānau passes are valid in conjunction with your annual Membership, and they are loaded onto your Membership card; separate cards are not issued.

PASS BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • Free General Admission
  • Unlimited free entry to all exhibitions
  • Exclusive exhibition previews and after hours events
  • Access to regular talks or behind the scenes tours

 

The pass does not provide friends and family with access to discounts and they do not receive Member emails and updates.

Your friends and family must accompany you to be able to share in your privilege.

Your Membership Welcome

Your Membership Welcome

Your new Membership pack will be mailed to you or you can pick it up next time you visit the Museum. Along with your distinctive Membership card, there is a small thank you gift from us inside.

Please contact us with any Membership enquiries. 

If your Membership enquiry needs immediate attention, please contact our Membership team on +64 9 306 7923 during office hours or email institute@aucklandmuseum.com

Make a donation when you become an Auckland Museum Institute Member

Make a donation when you become an Auckland Museum Institute Member

The Auckland Museum Institute is the Auckland Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi and has a long history of partnership with the Museum.

As a registered charity, the Institute accepts donations and bequests from Members, using the funds to support both the Institute’s own events and also Museum initiatives. Your generous support will assist us in our Mission to support the Museum, promote knowledge-sharing and celebrate creativity.

FIND OUT MORE

MEMBERS' EVENTS

Become an AMI Member to receive invites to exclusive AMI events and discounts to all other Auckland Museum events.

Upcoming Members' Events

If you become a Museum Member, you will have access to an array of exclusive Members-only events such exhibition previews, events and after hours functions. Museum Members also receive a 10% discount on all general Auckland Museum events.

AMI MEMBERS' EVENTS

Want to know more?

Visit our Membership FAQs page, for all the answers to your questions.

READ FAQS

Want to know more?

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira and the Auckland Museum Institute (AMI) whilst being statutory partners; are independent legal entities. View the Auckland Museum Institute privacy statement and terms and conditions.