Ō Mātou Whare Toi
Galleries
Tūhura Otago Museum has seven permanent galleries across four floors. They can be enjoyed in any order, and we recommend allowing several hours if you wish to see everything.
In a hurry? Book a tour with one of our expert guides so you don’t miss any of the highlights!
Tāngata Whenua
Tāngata Whenua highlights the material culture that emerged as Māori tūpuna (ancestors) dispersed across Aotearoa and adapted their tools and traditions to a new land.
Tangata Moana
The gallery features treasured objects from across Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, including traditional tools, weapons, textiles, ceremonial attire, adornments, carvings, and navigation objects.
Animal Attic
The only gallery of its kind in New Zealand, the Animal Attic is a Victorian time capsule filled with weird and wonderful creatures that illustrate evolution, taxonomy, and the history of museum display.
Nature
The Nature Gallery focuses on Otago’s unique wildlife and habitats, highlighting our native species and the ways people have impacted them.
People of the World
People of the World displays an eclectic collection of everyday and ceremonial objects that highlight different ways of life throughout history and across cultures.
Southern Land, Southern People
In Southern Land, Southern People, we explore the natural processes and resources that have shaped this region and its inhabitants over millions of years.
Maritime
The Maritime Gallery shares tales of seafaring and shipping, recounting Dunedin’s storied maritime history and the rise of the Union Steam Ship Company. It is also home to an 18-metre-long fin whale skeleton.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
For New Zealand residents, there is no charge to access the permanent galleries, but special exhibitions may require a ticket. For international visitors, there is a charge to enter the galleries. Please enquire at the Information Desk on the Ground Floor for more information.
-
Absolutely! Just turn the flash off first.
-
To protect our objects from pests, eating and drinking are not permitted in the galleries, but you are welcome to do so in the Atrium.