Accessing the collections and archives

Go beyond our exhibitions to discover more of the collections and archives.

Go beyond our exhibitions to discover more of the collections and archives.

On this page:

Access the collections
View the Te Papa Archives

Access the collections

For members of the public

For researchers

For museums and galleries

For people with a personal connection to an object

  • Contact us to arrange to see a collection or taonga you have a connection to, e.g. through your whānau, hapū, iwi, or region.

Restrictions

Access to some objects, or object information, may be restricted if they’re:

  • unusually fragile, or light sensitive

  • of spiritual or cultural significance to certain community groups

  • confidential

  • in use, e.g., on loan or being researched.

View the Te Papa Archives

Cost: Free

When: Monday–Friday, by appointment only

Where: Level 3, 169 Tory Street, Wellington

Our Archivist identifies and cares for Te Papa’s public records – from historical documents such as Sir James Hector’s letters and the National Art Gallery archives, to research material and collected archives relating to all subject areas covering our wider collections.

Search

You can search our archives on Collections Online.

Search Collections Online

Alternatively, contact us, and our Archivist will search the archives for you.

Book or enquire

Contact us to make an appointment or enquiry