Te Papa open after earthquake

16 November 2016

Te Papa is open from Wednesday 16 November, after recovering from the earthquake which happened just after midnight on Sunday.

The museum is back to its normal opening ours of 10am – 6pm, seven days a week.

Chief Executive Rick Ellis said Te Papa was pleased to be able to welcome visitors back to the museum.

The museum was closed on Monday and Tuesday while the building and collections were assessed.

“All Te Papa’s exhibitions and facilities are open, with just a few spots where we are still tidying up,” Mr Ellis said.

“Te Papa has been cleared by engineers as structurally safe. The quake has not had any impact on the building's structure,” Mr Ellis said.

Te Papa’s research facility in Tory Street was also unharmed, and has been assessed as structurally sound.

“Our team are all safe and well, and the collections have come through brilliantly.”

Mr Ellis said that a small number of collection items had sustained damage in the earthquake.

“A full assessment of all collections will continue today, but overall we are relieved that there is only minor damage.”

Mr Ellis said that seismic restraining work carried out at the museum in recent years had protected the collections.

“We are very grateful for our good fortune, and sending aroha to everyone who has been affected out there.,” said Mr Ellis.

“Our message to everyone is haere mai and welcome back to Te Papa.”

Media contact

Kate Camp, Communications Manager
029 601 0180