
Rongomaraeroa – the heart of Te Papa
Rongomaraeroa is the heart of Museum life – a place to welcome, celebrate, and hold ceremonies. It is also a living exhibition, showcasing contemporary Māori art and design.
Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
Open every day 10am-6pm
(except Christmas Day)
Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
Rongomaraeroa is a unique marae within Aotearoa New Zealand. Like all marae, it is founded on Māori principles of kawa and tikanga and was created for our unique museum context.
Rongomaraeroa is a contemporary marae that acknowledges the whakapapa and the taonga of all peoples who call Aotearoa New Zealand home.
Rongomaraeroa is the heart of Museum life – a place to welcome, celebrate, and hold ceremonies. It is also a living exhibition, showcasing contemporary Māori art and design.
Our marae comprises various elements stretching outside and into the heart of the museum – the marae ātea (open spaces), the wharenui (large meeting houses), and the three pathways that provide access to Rongomaraeroa.
The wharenui (main meeting house) on our marae, Te Hono ki Hawaiki, represents the human form with elements of the house being likened to the head, arms, legs, ribs, and spine and uses contemporary design in wharenui building customs.
All people have a right to connect to this marae (gathering place) through a shared understanding of whakapapa (ancestry) and the mana (prestige ) of the taonga (treasures) held at Te Papa.
Learn about Te Papa’s marae – a place for welcomes, ceremonies, and performances.
Rub the pounamu boulder on the marae on a self-guided visit to Te Papa. Learn about its origins and meaning.
An authentic and inclusive marae (communal meeting place) for the 21st century.
On now
Permanent exhibition
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
Dr Sandy Adsett is one of the most influential Māori artists and teachers of his generation. He spoke at Te Papa on Saturday 30 October, 2021, at the invitation of Te Papa and Pātaka Art+Museum.
Te Papa Kaihautū | Māori Co-leader Dr Arapata Hakiwai shares some of his memories and reflections about the main designer of the marae and wharenui within, Cliff Whiting, the opening blessing, and memorable events on Rongomaraeroa.
Visit our contemporary marae (communal meeting place) on a self-guided visit to Te Papa. Explore the traditional and modern stories told through its design.