Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History is a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts traveling to Masterton, New Zealand.
Founded in 1969, it is the only contemporary art and history museum in the region. The museum has four gallery spaces that change frequently, showcasing a range of exhibitions from internationally recognized artists to local up-and-coming artists, community groups, and collectives. Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History holds over 3000 items in its collection, which relate to the region, its people, and its stories. The museum showcases social history, Taonga Maori, and New Zealand art. Visitors can discover national and Wairarapa displays, exquisite Maori taonga/treasures, ceramics, paintings, photography, children's art, textiles, and much more.
The museum is part of the Masterton Arts Quarter, along with ConArt Gallery & Studio next door, King St Artworks, and Te Pa. Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History also serves as a performance art space, an educational center, and has an eclectic gift shop. The museum is a registered charity, and entry is by donation. Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History is a hushed and refined museum with 50 years of art under its belt. It hosts an impressive program of exhibitions and events. The museum provides high-quality experiences of art, history, and culture at its gallery in Masterton.
Some of the current exhibitions at Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History include "Burn it all down," which brings together the work of seven artists who use fire, destruction, and obsolescence in their work to highlight the fragility of our world, ourselves, and our memories until 14 May. "Masterton Museum: A Cabinet of Curiosities" is a collection of fascinating and curious objects gathered by local people until 2 July 2023.
In summary, Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History is a unique museum that showcases the region's art and history. It is a registered charity, and entry is by donation. The museum has a range of exhibitions from internationally recognized artists to local up-and-coming artists, community groups, and collectives. Visitors can discover national and Wairarapa displays, exquisite Maori taonga/treasures, ceramics, paintings, photography, children's art, textiles, and much more. The museum is part of the Masterton Arts Quarter, along with ConArt Gallery & Studio next door, King St Artworks, and Te Pa.