The Whanganui Regional Museum is a bicultural waharoa (gateway) to local social and natural histories. It stands proudly in Pukenamu Queen’s Park, the cultural heart of Whanganui. The Museum has a special relationship with mana whenua, those Māori who have historic and territorial rights over this land. It is also warmly supported by the many communities who continue to help develop it.
Learn about the people, objects, and stories that make this vibrant region so important through our stunning collection, which includes outstanding Taonga Māori, the Gottfried Lindauer Gallery of paintings of Whanganui Rangatira, a remarkable moa collection, and a noteworthy collection of historical fashion and textiles.
Fully acknowledging our past, explaining the present and preparing for the future starts here, at your museum.
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Other Exhibitions
Between skin & shirt – The photographic portraits of William Harding
Selection of 60 portraits by prominent Whanganui photographer William James Harding, from the collection held by the Alexander Turnbull Library.
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Nga Manu o Whanganui – Birds of Whanganui
The birds of Whanganui once thronged the forest, riverbanks and shoreline. Some are gone forever while others struggle to survive.
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Tangihia Te Pere – Opening the Door
The Friends School, Native Schools along the Whanganui River and Whanganui Girls College all feature.
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All Exhibitions
Collection Highlights
1962.178.4
PORTABLE DESK
This portable desk or writing box made circa 1900 has an outer surface decorated with porcupine quills and dots of ivory. It has a hinged lid and a fold-down front with the interior divided into sections for storing writing equipment and a writing surface.