Why is the Auckland Museum a cultural landmark worth exploring?

The magnificent Auckland Museum, which is also referred to as the Auckland War Memorial Museum is where one’s attention ought to be focused in the event you seek to unearth and embrace a nation’s distinct features and ideologies. Boasting an awe-inspiring collection of exhibits that will take you back to the grim period of WWI, this cultural edifice will be a worthy investment of your time in the City of Sails.

Location

Found gracing the grassy crater of an ancient and currently extinct volcano known as Pukekawa is where you will be able to feast your eyes on the gleaming structure called the Auckland Museum. Established in the year 1929 in a way to honour those brave men and women who had laid down their lives during World War I, the Auckland Museum is located within the periphery of the Auckland Domain. Interestingly, the adventure commences long before you enter its four walls for no sooner you set foot on its entrance steps and look back, you will be greeted by sweeping panoramas of Rangitoto Island and Hauraki Gulf respectively.

Early times and traditions

With the turn of the 1930s, a vast volume of celebrations and events were held in memory of those who had paid with their lives, and from these, the Anzac Day dawn parades are worthy of reference and commentary. During the period mentioned, Governors-General Galway and Bledisloe presided over these parades that were held at the Court of Honour with the participation of large gatherings. This tradition is continued to this very day and age, with New Zealanders and tourists flocking to the grounds of the Auckland Museum in the hope of playing an active role in such a unique and timeless celebration.

Renovations and structural tweaks

In order to offer visitors a more fulfilling and absorbing experience, Auckland’s very own Parthenon was subjected to widespread redevelopment which occurred between 1994 and 1999. Within this timeframe, the museum’s exhibits and services were improved. Following closely on the heels of these efforts, further renovations were carried out between 2003 and 2006 which led to the floor space of the museum increasing by as much as 60%. As a testament to this fact and as part of the Grand Atrium Project, an impressive bowl-shaped building clad in a Fijian kauri was constructed that presently hangs from the inside of what was once the southern courtyard.  

The 3 galleries of Auckland Museum narrate their own story

Get acquainted with the nuances and peculiarities of the Pacific people, including the Maori, Pakeha, Oceania people, and those from other parts and regions, by wandering through the ground level. Each space carefully examines and captures the diversity of the Pacific Islands and goes one step further in allowing visitors to inspect and admire the numerous objects that these communities produced during bygone eras. With regards to what to keep your eyes open for, make sure to spend time by the Pacific Masterpieces, where you will stumble upon outstanding Oceanic art and artefacts ranging from canoes and delicate combs. Move up to Level One and have your thirst for adventure and education quenched, where you will be served introductions to natural history that cover the breadth and scope of the tallest peaks and the ocean’s deepest depths. Be fascinated by the values and beliefs of former civilisations and cultures no sooner than you enter the gallery called Ancient Worlds (Te Onamata), but be sure to reserve time for The Imaginarium (Te Whiwhinga), whose three gallery spaces contain a host of exhibits, including teapots, ants, alligators, and elephants. Thereafter, make for the 3rd and final gallery, titled Level Two which is dedicated to all things centred around war and conflict. First up is New Zealand at War (Pou Kanohi), which details the country’s involvement in several armed conflicts that reference the 19th century Anglo-Boer War, the 1st and 2nd World Wars and a host of United Nations peacekeeping missions. Also, never forget to spend a quiet moment or two in silence at the World War One Hall of Memories and World War Two Hall of Memories which list out every fallen hero from Auckland Province who did battle all those years ago. In conclusion, the Auckland Museum is a wonderful way to get up to speed with the city’s culture and learn of a nation’s proud legacy. For those seeking good accommodation nearby, look forward to being based at Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences, which is rated as one of the best hotels in Auckland by many of those who visit.