Research library and reading rooms
Discover our extensive library collection, available to view by appointment at our reading rooms.
Te Aka Matua Research Library is Te Papa’s research and reference resource, available to view by appointment.
Our extensive collection has a special focus on history (New Zealand, Māori, and Pacific), the natural environment, art, photography, and museum studies.
Making the most of your visit
The library is mostly a closed stack library with material stored in more than one location in Wellington, meaning you have to request the resources you wish to use before your visit. It’s important for you to use our catalogues prior to visiting to outline your needs. Explore the library catalogue or Art and Exhibition file catalogue before requesting a visit.
We will endeavour to respond within 5 working days.
Te Aka Matua Reading Room, Cable Street
Purpose – Humanities subject visits
By appointment only: Monday–Friday, 10am–3pm (closed public holidays)
Location: Te Papa, Level 4 mezzanine above Treaty of Waitangi: Signs of a nation
Facilities: Photocopier, free Wi-Fi, and power sources for laptops
Te Aka Matua reading room. Photograph by Kate Whitley. Te Papa
The Hector Room, Tory Street
Purpose – Most Natural History subject visits
By appointment only: Wednesdays, 10am–12pm (closed public holidays)
Location: 169 Tory Street, less than 15 minutes’ walk from Te Papa