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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.
Opening and Artist Talk | Negativland : Erebus
Negativland : Erebus by Will Hadwen is our new foyer wall commission. Will Hadwen is an interdisciplinary artist based in Wellington, New Zealand. With a Master’s in Fine Arts…
Cultural Awareness Talk | Japan
In this Cultural Awareness session, you will learn about Japanese culture and discuss basic social protocols to help you interact with clients, whānau, and friends. All are welcome…
Opening | Michael Armstrong, Maire Le Lievre, & Enmeshed
Join us for the opening of three new exhibitions! Timaru-based painter Michael Armstrong’s exhibition Paintings of Ruined Mythic Phantasies addresses themes that have preoccupied him throughout his career – social…
Tagata Moana Trust Holiday Programme
This holiday programme will be hands-on, creative fun for Pacific youth! Immerse yourself in Pacific culture, design virtual worlds, and bring stories to life using digital technology. This…
“With the Girls Overseas” – the voices of World War II New Zealand nurses
Join us for a special Anzac Day talk with Sarah Johnston, where she will shed light on the voices of New Zealand nurses from the Second World War….
Land, Sea and Air
On 4 September 1939, the main headline of the day’s Ashburton Guardian newspaper was: “THE EMPIRE AT WAR”. This was the beginning of the Second World War for…
School Holiday Activities | April 2025
We have some great activities running throughout the school holidays for kids of all ages. Check them out below, or see the full calendar here! Eggs-Press Yourself 12…
Sharing Histories | Gifts of 2024
Each year new treasures are collected by museums all around the world and ours is no different. In the past year, a variety of items have been donated…
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…