Home & Country

Born from a need in our communities 100 years ago, the Women’s Institute came to Ashburton and many other communities throughout New Zealand to encourage mutual friendship, fun and helping in both the good times and bad. This exhibition explores the history of local Women’s Institutes as they enter another century of community support.

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Hakatere Home & Heritage

Hakatere Home & Heritage

Our Hakatere Home & Heritage exhibition celebrates the launch of Ashburton’s Welcoming Communities photobook project that captured a moment in time on Race Relations Day 21 March 2020. In collaboration with local photographer Emmily Harmer, 20 family groups were photographed in their cultural garments and recounted their heritage story for this book. This snapshot of…

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Critters, Creatures and Curiosities

Critters, creatures and curiosities are all out in force from the deepest drawers, the highest cupboards and the darkest corners of the Museum’s collection stores. They have come out to surprise and intrigue all who dare to be curious. The good, the bad and the beautiful animals in our collection will share their story before…

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Christchurch 22nd February 2011-2021 Ashburton Remembers

We are giving people of Ashburton an opportunity to share their memories and experiences of 22nd February 2011.

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Reel Life of Ashburton

Take a trip through Ashburton’s cinema past in this special spring exhibition. Reel Life of Ashburton showcases the story of the past cinemas of Ashburton District, and the captivating stories surrounding them. This exhibition highlights what the movie theatre experience meant to so many people in the area, who enjoyed movies, plays, concerts, musicals and…

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Billy Thomas Architect – Building a Reputation

The reputation of Architect William Thomas, or Billy Thomas as he has become more commonly known, is second to none. Come and explore a selection of Billy’s architectural plans and learn of his rise from an apprentice joiner to the designer of Hakatere Ashburton District’s most revered character homes and distinctive commercial buildings.

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The Spirit of Budo

To find out more about this exhibit, scroll back on our blog. Follow us on Facebook to learn more about what’s on at Ashburton Museum.

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Children’s Holocaust Memorial

20 February 2020 – 26 April 2020 A unique Memorial, education and learning experience honouring the 1.5 million children killed during the Holocaust.

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The Topp Twins – An Exhibition for New Zealand

29 November 2019 – 9 February 2020 Bringing small town, Rural NZ and that Kiwi can-do attitude, Lynda and Jools Topp are among New Zealand’s best-loved entertainers. Whether it’s as Camp Mother and Camp Leader, the Gingham Sisters, Westie girls Raylene and Brenda, poshies Prue and Dilly, or the good Kiwi blokes Ken and Ken,…

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Ashburton: Feels like home

20 September – 6 November An exhibition that will no doubt be close to the heart of many locals. Ashburton: Feels Like Home includes quirky and iconic items, images and videos that are a reminder of why this place is special to so many people. To find out more about this exhibit, scroll back on our…

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