Rotorua Museum facts for kids
The Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa is a special place in Rotorua, New Zealand. It's a local museum and art gallery located in the beautiful Government Gardens. Here, you can explore amazing art and learn about the history of the area.
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The Museum's Historic Home
The museum is inside a very old and interesting building. It used to be called the Bath House and first opened way back in 1908. This building was a big deal because it was the first time the New Zealand government invested a lot of money in tourism. The Bath House is built in a unique style called half-timbered, and many people think it's the most impressive building of its kind in New Zealand.
How the Museum Started
The Rotorua Museum first opened its doors in 1969, using the south side of the old Bath House. Later, in 1977, the Rotorua Art Gallery opened on the north side. Then, in 1988, these two places joined together. They became what we know today as the Rotorua Museum of Art and History. The Rotorua District Council helps to run the museum.
What You Can See at the Museum
The museum has many different collections for you to discover. You can see beautiful fine arts and old photography. There are also exhibits about social history, showing how people lived in the past. A very important part of the collection includes Taonga objects, which are special treasures from the Māori culture.
Why the Museum Closed and What's Next
Sadly, the museum building had to close in 2016. This happened because it didn't meet New Zealand's safety rules for earthquakes. But don't worry! In 2023, the Rotorua Lakes Council promised to fix the building. They are working hard to repair it so the museum can open its doors again soon for everyone to enjoy.
Images for kids
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A historic view of the museum building when it was the Bath House.
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An angled view of the museum, with a croquet lawn in front.
See also
In Spanish: Museo de Rotorua para niños
