The Whanganui Regional Museum, founded in 1895, has extensive collections of natural and human history with a regional emphasis. It houses objects of national and international significance. There are also significant collections from elsewhere, such as Pasifika tapa and ceramics from Asia and Cyprus.

The Museum programme includes long-term and short-term exhibitions, a changing calendar of programmes and events, lectures and workshops as well as comprehensive education experiences, research services led by experts, identification of objects and specimens and heritage advisory services.

Exhibition highlights are: Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi - The Māori Court which features the waka taua (war canoe) Te Mata o Hoturoa and an internationally renowned collection of taonga Māori. Te Pataka Whakaahua - The Lindauer Gallery has portraits of prominent Māori rangatira (leaders) by renowned artist Gottfried Lindauer.

A team of dedicated professional staff contribute their vision and energy caring for and sharing the stories of the Museum's collections.

The Museum Shop stocks a wide range of local and Maori jewellery, books, cards and other New Zealand-made items.