Subscribe to our newsletter - be the first to know about our latest activities and exhibitions.

HISTORY
with HEART

WELCOME TO
THE ASHBURTON
MUSEUM

Dig into the past...and discover what created your future. Engage in educational experiences and uncover the cultural and social heritage of Mid Canterbury and Aotearoa.

What's On

Explore our exhibitions and activity programmes.

Workshop | Nature Drawing with Graphite Powder

Learn how to make a botanical drawing using graphite powder at this special workshop with Katharine Allard! First, we will find inspiration in the Botanical Art Worldwide 2025…

find out more

Wikipedia Photo Day with Dr. Mike Dickison

Wikipedia takes all its photos from an open image library, Wikimedia Commons. WikiCommons has 117 million freely usable photos, drawings, sound files, and video clips, and your photos…

find out more

Dearly Beloved | 100 Years of the Wedding Dress

Weddings are a traditional rite of passage; ceremony overlaid with religious significance and cultural expectations. Befitting the occasion, bridal clothing may be ceremonially symbolic in colour, textile, or…

find out more

Opening | Dearly Beloved

Join us for the opening of Dearly Beloved | 100 Years of the Wedding Dress! This exhibition features a selection of bridal wear from our collection, representing wedding…

find out more

Operation Grapple: We Were There

In 1957/58 the British Government conducted a series of nuclear weapons tests at Christmas Island and Malden Island in the mid-Pacific Ocean. This series of detonations was given…

find out more

SS Ventnor

In this exhibition, explore the story of the SS Ventnor, which sank off Hokianga Harbour in 1902 carrying the remains of nearly 500 Chinese goldminers being returned to…

find out more

Able Art Collective

Able Art Collective is a supportive space for individuals with disabilities to explore, learn, create, connect and express themselves through art. Sessions are held on the second Wednesday…

find out more

Island Breeze

Join us for our monthly Pasifika wāhine art and craft session in Ashburton! If singing, chatting, and art sounds like your cup of tea, come along on the…

find out more

In Colour

In Colour is a great way to unwind and relax with like-minded people. Bring along your art and craft projects to share with others over morning tea once a…

find out more

Art Addicts

Art Addicts (AA) is the Gallery’s weekly art space for kids during the school term. Wrap up your Wednesday school day and head to the AAGM to get…

find out more

Kōwhai Mums

Kōwhai Mums is a monthly art group that caters to ethnic and migrant mums/carers, as well as newcomers to Whakatere Ashburton. While this group has an emphasis on…

find out more