Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand

Te Papa Foundation Gala

Wellington's premier black-tie fundraising evening, the Te Papa Foundation Gala supports exhibitions, collections, conservation, research, and education programmes and Aotearoa New Zealand's national museum.

When | Āhea

Sat 14 Nov 2026, 6.30pm to 11.30pm

Where | Ki hea

Icon and Wellington Foyer, Level 2

Cost | Te utu

$300 per person (tables now sold out)

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible

Thank you for the incredible response to the Te Papa Foundation Gala. Our 2026 Gala is now sold out, with every table taken for Wellington’s premier black-tie fundraising evening.

If you've missed out and would like to be added to the waitlist for tickets, or would like to support the Te Papa Foundation in another way, we'd love to hear from you.

Please contact Rebecca Galloway, Te Papa Foundation Manager, at rebecca.galloway@tepapa.govt.nz

***

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Aotearoa New Zealand’s national museum, bringing together friends and supporters of Te Papa for an evening of fine food, entertainment and philanthropy.

  • From 6.30pm: Arrive for welcome drinks, with handcrafted cocktails, bubbles, fresh oysters and canapés.

  • Dinner in Wellington Foyer: Enjoy an exquisite dinner paired with premium wines from The Wrekin Vineyard, with live entertainment throughout the evening.

  • Live auction: Bid on an exceptional collection of experiences, artworks and unique items in a live charity auction hosted by Webb’s.

Supporting Te Papa's Future

Every auction lot has been generously donated by supporters from across Aotearoa New Zealand, and every winning bid helps support the work of the Te Papa Foundation.

As the philanthropic arm of Te Papa, the Te Papa Foundation raises vital private support Te Papa’s programmes, projects and acquisitions, or are invested in the Foundation’s endowment fund to help secure the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national museum.

Together, we can ensure Te Papa continues to inspire, educate, and connect people with the rich history, culture, and natural heritage of Aotearoa for generations to come.

Spring Soiree, 2024. Photo by Anaru Church. Te Papa (247954)

Donating to the Te Papa Foundation enables world-leading research, important preservation work on our national collection, and wrap-around programmes to offer people greater access to Te Papa and the millions of taonga we care for.

Gala is supported by

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