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

• Exhibitions at Te Papa
• Guided tours
• Collections Online – including selected object information
• Contact us to request full records

For researchers

• Research library (by appointment)
• Borrowing or viewing specimens for research

For museums and galleries

• Borrowing for an exhibition

For people with a personal connection to an object

• Contact us to arrange to see a collection or taongataonga Māori cultural treasure you have a connection to, e.g. through your whānauwhānau family, hapūhapū sub-tribe, iwiiwi tribe, 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Our Archivist identifies and cares for Te Papa’s public records – from historical documents such as Sir James Hector’s letters and the National Art Gallery archives, to research material and collected archives relating to all subject areas covering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