Major exterior refresh planned for Whanganui Regional Museum

Published on 20 December 2024

Whanganui District Council and Whanganui Regional Museum release

One of Whanganui’s significant heritage buildings – the Whanganui Regional Museum – is about to get a major exterior refresh.

The refurbishment and repainting is needed because the outside of the Pukenamu Queen’s Park building has deteriorated, exposing the underlying plaster in some areas.

The work is scheduled to begin on Monday, 10 February 2025. It includes a thorough assessment of the building’s exterior to address any additional repairs needed before repainting begins.

This major project outlined in Whanganui District Council’s Long-Term Plan 2024-2034 includes both the museum opened on site in 1928 and the 1968 addition, which houses the Davis Lecture Theatre.

Whanganui Regional Museum director Bronwyn Labrum says she is delighted that the exterior refurbishment is about to begin.

“We know how much the Whanganui community values its museum, and the refreshed facade will ensure that the museum is suitably presented for its major place in the cultural precinct of Pukenamu Queen’s Park. We are very grateful for the commitment from the council in allocating this important funding in the Long-Term Plan,” says Dr Labrum.

The work is being done in stages, beginning with the entrance and Watt Street facades. Scaffolding will be constructed and the area wrapped in a ‘skin’ to ensure minimal disruption during the sandblasting.

The museum will remain open and fully operational throughout the repainting, allowing the public to continue enjoying its exhibitions and events as scheduled.

Council general manager, community property and places, Sarah O'Hagan says the repainting is essential for maintaining the integrity and appearance of one of Whanganui’s most significant heritage sites.

“We are grateful to the community and visitors for their continued support during the project and we look forward to unveiling the refreshed building by mid-2025,” Sarah O’Hagan says.

The work is weather-dependent.

For further information and project updates, visit the council's project page and the museum website at wrm.org.nz