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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.
Artist Talks | Chloe Summerhayes, Sam Walker, and Bobby Kurb
Join us for three artist talks featuring Bobby Kurb, Chloe Summerhayes and Sam Walker. Bobby will discuss his new exhibition Before Black and White there was Colour, and…
Cultural Awareness Talk | Samoa
In this Cultural Awareness session, you will learn about Samoan culture and discuss basic social protocols to help you interact with clients, whānau, and friends. Whakatere Ashburton local,…
Operation Grapple Talk | Denise Baynham
In Operation Grapple, portraits of 19 New Zealand nuclear test veterans tell the story of this little-known chapter in New Zealand history of nuclear testing in the Pacific….
Opening | Operation Grapple: We Were There
Join us for the opening of our new exhibition, Operation Grapple: We Were There. In 1957/58 the British Government conducted a series of nuclear weapons tests at Christmas…
Talk | Revitalisation of Te Reo Māori – A Youth Perspective
Celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori by joining us for our special panel talk! At this public event, hear from a panel of local rangatahi who will…
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori
This year is the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, and the Gallery and Museum are putting together some te reo flashcards so that you…
Opening | Consider the Flowers, Margaret Trolove
Join us for the opening of Consider the Flowers, an exhibition of artworks by Margaret Trolove. This exhibition is a celebration of the art of Margaret Trolove (1925-2025),…
School Holiday Activities | September-October 2025
We have some great activities running throughout the school holidays for kids of all ages. Check them out below, or visit the Ashburton District Council What’s On page to see…
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…
Caught in the Moment: Guardian photographs of 1975
What moments in time did the Ashburton Guardian photographers capture around Whakatere Ashburton throughout 1975? This selection of photographs from our large collection of Guardian negatives will take…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…