Current exhibitions

1981

5 June 2021 - 30 January 2022

This exhibition revisits the anti-Tour movement through the work of local photographers. It tells the story of a nation at war with itself, at war over rugby, racism, and our place in the world.
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National Contemporary Art Award 2021

18 September 2021 - 20 February 2022

Each year the National Contemporary Art Award brings the best in Aotearoa contemporary art to the Waikato.
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Thanks From Iso: Art and stories from managed isolation

12 November 2021 - 12 June 2022

A chance to pause and reflect on the sad, funny and emotional stories from New Zealand’s managed isolation system through this unique exhibition.
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Colossal Squid: Freaky Features!

26 November 2021 - 13 March 2022

We are revealing some of the fascinating science and wonderful secrets of one of New Zealand’s most significant natural history specimens.
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Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award

8 December 2021 - 8 May 2022

Compelling portraits by emerging Maaori artists in celebration of their tuupuna (ancestors).
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A Selection of Artworks from the Barry Hopkins Art Trust Collection

18 December 2021 - 20 March 2022

Showcasing the long-time art collector’s love of Aotearoa New Zealand art, from abstraction to allegory.
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Gavin Hipkins: The Homely II

22 January - 10 April 2022

A frieze of 80 photographs that form a fragmented narrative of disorienting strange-yet-familiar scenes. More

Waiclay

22 January - 10 April 2022

Exciting ceramic pieces from all over New Zealand are showcased in the annual Waiclay National Ceramics Award exhibition.
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Te Winika exhibition

The majestic Te Winika, a 200-year-old carved waka taua (Maaori war canoe) was gifted to Waikato Museum by Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu in 1973.
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Exscite

Our science gallery Exscite is jam-packed with interactive activities for young people to actively learn while having fun.
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Inventors and Innovations: Waikato Bright Sparks

This exhibition examines some of our region’s problem-solving success stories through an immersive experience that will take you on a journey through time and space.
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Shaping Hamilton Huringa Kirikiriroa

Maps, historical artefacts, art, photographs and installations tell the story of the changing demographic and geographic shape of Hamilton.
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The Exhibition Creator

Create your own exhibition online using images of items from the Museum’s collection. It's on now, online. More