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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 | Marilyn Rea-Menzies & Natchez Hudson
Join us for the opening of two new exhibitions! Nature’s Symphony: A Visual Journey through our Forests by Marilyn Rea-Menzies displays the artist’s detailed drawings, paintings, and tapestries…
Opening | Anita DeSoto, Potion
Join us for the opening of Anita DeSoto’s solo exhibition, Potion. Potion is a vibrant exhibition where Anita reimagines the Baroque era through the lens of contemporary gender…
Artist Talk | Art Meets Science
At this special talk, Rokowhiria Curator of Art, James Hope will introduce artist Natchez Hudson and Professor James Shulmeister from the University of Canterbury, School of Earth and…
School Holiday Activities | July 2026
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…
Tapestry Workshop | Marilyn Rea-Menzies
Join artist and teacher Marilyn Rea-Menzies for a two-day tapestry workshop (10am-4pm) suitable for beginners and those with some tapestry weaving experience. Participants will develop a simple contemporary…
Heritage Talk | Ashburton Fire Museum
To celebrate the opening of Sharing Histories: Gifts of 2025-2026, join us for a lunchtime talk on local firefighting history presented by Ashburton Fire Museum. As part of…
Heritage Talk | Q&A with Trevor Cullimore
Join our Social History Curator Louisa Hormann and Trevor Cullimore in a Q&A session to celebrate the opening of Icon: 50 Years of the Ashburton Clock Tower. Trevor’s…
Opening | Heather Sarin
Join us for the opening of the exhibition Our Connection to the Natural World by Ashburton-based artist Heather Sarin. Paying close attention to her surroundings provides a starting…
Caught in the Moment: Guardian photographs of 1976
What moments in time did the Ashburton Guardian photographers capture around Whakatere Ashburton throughout 1976? This selection of photographs from our large collection of Guardian negatives will take…
Matariki herenga waka: A mooring place for all canoes
In celebration of Matariki in 2026, the national theme Matariki herenga waka – For everyone welcomes all people to reflect on the year passed and prepare for the…
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…
Art Addicts
Art Addicts (AA) is Rokowhiria’s weekly art space for kids during the school term. Wrap up your Wednesday school day and head to the Gallery and Museum to…
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…
Kōwhai Kids
Kōwhai Kids is our monthly art group for children aged 0-5 years. Join us once a month for a relaxed session where kids can engage with fun sensory…
Sunday Studio
Sunday Studio is our weekend art group for adults! Join us once a month to explore a new art technique and socialise on a Sunday afternoon. Each month…
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…