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Research library and reading rooms
Discover our extensive library collection, available to view by appointment at our reading rooms.
Te Aka Matua Research Library is Te Papa’s research and reference resource, available to view by appointment.
Our extensive collection has a special focus on history (New Zealand, Māori, and Pacific), the natural environment, art, photography, and museum studies.
Explore the library catalogue before requesting a visit.
Te Aka Matua Reading Room
By appointment only: Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm (closed public holidays)
Location: Te Papa, Level 4 mezzanine above Treaty of Waitangi: Signs of a nation
Facilities: Photocopier, free Wi-Fi, and power sources for laptops
Te Aka Matua Reading Room contains:
- non-science rare book collections
- museology books
- art and exhibition files.
Other material
Te Papa’s library collections are held in various locations. After you make an appointment, our library staff will source your desired material so you can view it in the reading room.
Caption
Te Aka Matua reading room. Photograph by Kate Whitley. Te Papa
The Hector Room, Tory Street
By appointment only: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am–12 noon (closed public holidays)
Location: 169 Tory Street, less than 10 minutes’ walk from Te Papa
The Hector Room contains:
- some of our science journal collection
- our natural environment rare book collection.
Other material
Te Papa’s library collections are held in various locations. When you make an appointment, our library staff will source your desired material so you can view it in the reading room.