Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science & Heritage

04/06/2026

Do you recognise this boy… or his very impressive vegetable?

This glass plate photograph from the Peter Bush collection shows a young boy proudly posing with something nearly as tall as he is. We’re wondering: is it a gourd? A luffa? Something else entirely?

Glass plate negatives were used before film became common, they’re surprisingly stable but very fragile, and need to be kept cold to survive. This image likely dates somewhere between 1890 and 1950, but we’d love to narrow that down with your help.

Does the location look familiar? Any ideas about the vegetable, or when this might have been taken? 📷🥒💬

28/05/2026

A special auction will take place at Disco Drag Homecoming, featuring Night (a poem to the moon) (2026) — a hand‑coloured photogravure etching by Brent Harris.

Valued at $1,500 (unframed), the work will be auctioned by Rhubarb Rouge, with all proceeds donated to Malgra .

The work is from an edition of 25 and will be available to view on the night. Attendees will also have the opportunity to preview SCREECH! A little history of loud ceramics.

Join us for a night of performance, art, and fundraising in support of a great cause.

28/05/2026

Tomorrow! 🤩

In the 1970s, exhibiting artist Brent Harris spent his youth in West End listening to David Bowie and Barry White while dreaming of his future. He left Palmy at 22, as a young gay man on a path of self-discovery, and went on to become a famous artist!

Now he’s back for his homecoming, and joined by esteemed Queens Rhubarb Rouge, RubyDax and Molly Mustard to help us tell his story.

We will also be auctioning an original artist print by Brent, with all proceeds going to Malgra .

Join us for a night of wild antics, performance, and art! Tony's Pizza Pop up Bar will be selling drinks and we’ll be serving nibbles.

✨ Disco Drag Homecoming
📅 Friday 29 May · ⏰ 7.30pm
🎟 Tickets available from Eventfinda
👗 70s ensembles encouraged

26/05/2026

Home‑based Educator Mornings at Te Manawa 🌿

📅 Last Thursday each month (tomorrow)
⏰ 10–11am
🎓 For educators with up to 5 tamariki

Drop in, explore, learn, and play across the museum

26/05/2026

💛 Sharp, sassy, and serving 70s realness — Molly Mustard lights up the stage for Brent Harris’ homecoming night.

✨Disco Drag Homecoming
📅 Friday 29 May · ⏰ 7.30pm
🎟 Tickets available from Eventfinda https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/disco-drag-homecoming/palmerston-north
👗 70s ensembles encouraged

25/05/2026

🥬 Coming in hot for Brent Harris’ homecoming! The iconic Rhubarb Rouge brings glamour, grit, and pure disco energy to Te Manawa.

✨Disco Drag Homecoming
📅 Friday 29 May · ⏰ 7.30pm
🎟 Tickets available from Eventfinda https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/disco-drag-homecoming/palmerston-north
👗 70s ensembles encouraged

24/05/2026

Our hearts are heavier today with the news of Jools' passing. (She's pictured here with sister Lynda and their beautiful parents at the opening of the Topp Twins exhibition in 2017). We were so touched and humbled by their openness, generosity, and unflinching commitment to justice, fairness and a fair go. Always our Camp Leader. Moe mai rā e hoa, and much aroha to the Topp Whānau.

22/05/2026

Ever wondered what air can do?

Air Playground turns invisible forces into hands-on fun, where every puff, pump and push makes science come alive.

📣 Open now at Te Manawa

Perfect for curious kids and grown-ups alike.

A Museums Victoria touring exhibition.
📸: Glen Wilkie.

22/05/2026

Calling all teachers! 🎓

Join us for our Air Playground Teachers’ Afternoon at Te Manawa! 🎈

🗓 Thursday 28 May
⏰ 4 - 5pm
🍪 Afternoon tea provided
🎟 Free session

Spend time with our education team learning about Air Lab, our Air Playground education programme for Terms 2 & 3, 2026, then explore the exhibition with 40 minutes of self led play (normally a ticketed experience).

📧 Bookings essential - https://temanawamuseum.typeform.com/to/PqasOTnV

Spaces are limited - we’d love to see you at Air Playground, a Museums Victoria touring exhibition!