Whanganui Regional Museum re-opens 16 March 2019
Published on 11 March 2019
Whanganui Regional Museum is set to reopen its doors to the public after a significant seismic upgrade of the building and reconfiguration of the exhibition spaces.
Over two years ago, the doors were officially closed by locals Josephine Takarangi-Firman and schoolgirl Alicia Laird. At 10.00am on Saturday 16 March 2019, they will both formally open the doors again.
The museum will be open for extended hours until 8.30pm on Saturday, 16 March and there will be a fantastic line up of family-friendly and special interest entertainments for all to enjoy. More activities continue on Sunday, 17 March.
Check out the Museum's Facebook page for events, which are also listed below.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SATURDAY 16 MARCH
Open 10.00am-8.30pm
10.00am OFFICIAL DOOR OPENING
Crowds welcomed through the door with vibrant sounds by Tahupōtiki Pikimāui and Ben Thompson, a dynamic duo playing brass and guitar
11.00am SONGS AND STORIES FROM THE WILLIAMS BARREL ORGAN
Collection Manager Trish Nugent-Lyne plays the 1829 barrel organ, the first to arrive in New Zealand while Senior Curator Libby Sharpe tells its story. (approx 45mins)
12.45pm JEROME KAVANAGH – TAONGA PUORO
Come and be blown away by Jerome Kavanagh in action. Witness internationally renowned practitioner of taonga puoro (traditional Māori instruments) giving a demonstration and filling the building with melodic sounds.
2.00pm KAPA HAKA
A dynamic event where the majority of schools in the Whanganui district combine for an epic kapa haka performance outside the Museum.
3.00pm TINIRAU AND THE WHALE – STORYTIME WITH LISA REWETI
Come and listen to dynamic, animated storyteller Lisa Reweti as she tells a magic story about Tinirau and the Whale.
4.00pm LIVE MUSIC WITH DANIEL FITZSIMMONS
Visit the Museum while listening to acoustic melodies and rhythms accompanied by soulful lyrics of truth, peace and unity. (approx. 60mins)
6.00pm LIVE MUSIC – CASTLECLIFF LIGHTS – ELLEN YOUNG
The Museum will be filled with smooth psychedelic vocal and acoustic guitar sounds from Ellen Young, Castlecliff Lights. (approx 45mins)
AVAILABLE ALL DAY SATURDAY
Museum Explorers … Interactive exhibitions … Dress-up selfies in Tesla Photograph Studio Semaphore flag activity ... Films for the family in the brand new AV room
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SUNDAY 17 MARCH
Open 10.00am-4.30pm
11.00am CURATOR’S TOUR
Senior Curator Libby Sharpe takes a guided tour around the upstairs galleries to talk about the history of the town of Whanganui. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential – call 06 349 1110 to secure a space.
1.00pm NATURAL TREASURES – AN INTRODUCTION
A guided tour of the Natural History exhibitions led by Keith Beautrais, starting at the top of the stairs and wandering around the Meteorite, Geology, Whales, Moa and Freshwater Fish displays. Keith will point out highlights and answer questions. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential – call 06 349 1110 to secure a space.
2.00pm AWESOME TALK
Don Gordon from the Union Boat Club talks about Awesome – The Story Of The Army Eightexhibition in the Samuel Drew Gallery and how New Zealand’s reputation as an international rowing nation began in 1919 on the River Seine.
AVAILABLE ALL DAY SUNDAY
Museum Explorers … Interactive exhibitions … Dress-up selfies in Tesla Photograph Studio
Semaphore flag activity ... Films for the family in the brand new AV room