FAQs about our temporary closure

Waikato Museum is closing temporarily for construction work to improve the building.

Why?  

It’s important that we fix existing issues and prevent future problems. Although cutting edge when it opened in 1987, the building does not meet current industry standards and this renewals programme will extend its useful life as a community facility.  

When is this happening?  

The last day that Waikato Museum is open to the public is Sunday 21 July 2024. The construction work is scheduled to take four and a half months. We will re-open again in December 2024.  

Why can’t the Museum, or at least some parts of it, stay open?  

Exscite is staying open! Visitors are now able to enter from the river-facing side of the building through a temporary access on the ground floor.  

The construction work in other public areas of the Museum will be too noisy, messy, and disruptive. The most efficient approach is to close our doors temporarily and just get on with it.  

What sort of upgrades or changes are being made?  

This renewals programme includes several significant projects:  

New entrance  

An airlock entry will be added to the Museum’s front entrance, providing effective climate control to meet industry standards. Climate control is a crucial component for museums and galleries, due to the atmospheric standards required to protect and preserve objects.  

Upgraded HVAC system  

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) will be replaced throughout the building, along with electrical renewals such as upgrading the switchboards.   

Replacement flooring  

In the foyer and galleries, the slate tiles will be replaced with wooden flooring. The new surface will be flat and even, providing a safer environment for visitors, staff and for transporting taonga.  

Upgraded toilets  

The public bathrooms in the main foyer and in the Barry Hopkins Gallery will be upgraded.   

Improvement to forecourt  

Waikato Museum’s forecourt will be upgraded to improve visitor experience and accessibility, while also improving connections to and visibility of the Museum from Victoria Street. A more direct pathway will be developed for accessibility, the cascading pools will be removed, and the paving tiles, which become slippery and hazardous in wet weather, will be upgraded.  

Roof replacement  

We will also complete the roof renewal during the closure. Lightweight and robust long-run steel is being used to replace the original ceramic tiles, which are more than 30 years old. The new roof will make the building watertight, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure Waikato Museum can continue to maintain a stable and dry environment for the collections it contains.     

How much will it cost? Is this why my rates are going up?  

The cost of this renewals programme is $7.2 million and was allocated in Hamilton City Council’s 2021-31 Long Term Plan. It is not included in the 2024-34 Long Term Plan that was under consultation in 2024.  

Will it still be free to visit the Museum once you’re open again?  

Hamilton City Council does not have plans to charge for entry to Waikato Museum. Fees may apply for some exhibitions and events, and for entry to Exscite.  

What are Museum staff doing during the closure?  

Many of us will be carrying on with ‘business as usual’ even though the building is closed to the public. We are planning to continue offering public programmes, working with Exscite and the classroom spaces, as well as delivery outside the walls of the Museum.  

The Museum’s classrooms will continue to be used for delivering Education programmes. Students will be able to enter from the river-facing side of the building through a temporary access on the ground floor.  

Staff in our public-facing Visitor Experience team will either continue to work on site at Exscite, or be temporarily redeployed to assist with other Museum projects and Hamilton City Council facilities.    

What about the stuff inside the Museum, is it going to be safe?  

Yes, we have put a lot of consideration into this aspect. All temporary exhibitions will be removed from the galleries once we close to the public. Long-term exhibitions will be temporarily stored elsewhere in the building if they are likely to be affected by the renovation work, or otherwise will remain in place with extra protection measures.   

Kaitiakitanga is at the heart of what we do at Waikato Museum. Our staff will continue to closely monitor the conditions on site throughout this period.  

What about the Riff Raff statue?  

The Museum forecourt has been a temporary location for the statue, and as originally planned, Riff Raff will be relocated at a permanent home at the Waikato Regional Theatre. Visit www.waikatoregionaltheatre.co.nz for more information.  

How can I stay up to date with what’s happening at the Museum?  

You can follow Waikato Museum on Instagram @waikatomuseum or our Facebook page, just search for “Waikato Museum”.   

To get on the list for our regular newsletter, visit www.waikatomuseum.co.nz/subscribe and sign up.