Whakatāne Museum and Research Centre

The Whakatāne Museum and Research Centre is a fantastic place to experience some of New Zealand’s finest historical art, culture, and heritage from the Whakatāne region. The Whakatāne Museum and Research Centre was opened in 1972, and currently houses more than 600,000 items in its collection. The museum’s collection consists of items from the Bay of Plenty and Whakatāne District, including some historical documents, photographs from the early 1900s, and swamp excavations. The museum and research centre is open to the public for viewing and for research.

Whakatāne Museum and Research Centre – Online Exhibitions

The Whakatāne Museum and Research Centre has made some exhibitions available online. Currently, there is a World War I Commemoration available for online viewing.

Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre

The Whakatāne Museum also holds events and exhibitions at the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre, which opened June 2012. The exhibitions are always engaging, which include stories and treasures from the local Whakatāne region.

The Fletcher Collection at the Whakatāne Museum

One of the current featured exhibition is the Fletcher Collection, which consists of more than 30 paintings derived from the Fletcher Trust Collection. The collection began with the acquisition of five watercolour paintings by J.B.C. Hoyte by Fletcher Holdings in early 1962. It’s said that Fletcher purchased these paintings for a mere ₤300 or so. Fletcher displayed these paintings in his company’s dining room where he hoped his employees might become enriched and develop a deep appreciation for art.

For hours and entry fee information for the Whakatāne Museum and Research Centre and Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Center, click here.