Waikato Museum

For an inspirational experience, visit us on the banks of the Waikato River in the heart of Hamilton's cultural precinct.

Our exhibitions and activities tell the stories of this region and include visual art, social history, tangata whenua and science.

Highlights include the majestic waka Te Winika, E Nga Uri Whakatupu: Weaving Legacies: Dame Rangimarie Hetet and Diggeress Te Kanawa; Exscite and Planet Warriors, the fun hands-on science galleries for children; and our galleries which exhibit a rich blend of artworks from touring exhibitions and the museum’s own collection.

Waikato Museum in its current building was opened in 1987. Situated back from the road and near the banks of the Waikato River the building has five levels and 12 galleries. The architect was Ivan Mercep of JASMaD (now Jasmax), Auckland, the same architect who went on to design New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa. Mercep was awarded a prestigious Gold Medal by the Institute of Architects (June 2008) for his notable career.