Tairāwhiti Museum is the major public institution for arts, culture and heritage activities for the Tairāwhiti region and has a reputation as one of the most innovative regional museums in New Zealand.

Our mission is to be a waharoa (gateway) and resource for our communities and to stimulate appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, and involvement in the arts, culture and heritage of Tairāwhiti.

Our primary activities include:
Delivering exhibitions, education programmes and events
Developing and providing care and access to Tairāwhiti’s arts and heritage collections.
Providing research services and supporting scholarship and research about the Tairāwhiti region.

Our vision is to make Tairāwhiti a better place to live and to visit by contributing to the development of positive community identity, advancing community well-being and contributing to a sustainable local economy.

Our activities extend beyond the walls of the museum across our region from Wairoa to Hicks Bay.

The museum has a regularly changing programme of art and history exhibitions with a strong focus on taonga and toi Māori and two historic buildings to explore: Wyllie Cottage (the oldest remaining European style house in Gisborne) and the wheelhouse and captains cabin of the Star of Canada (built 1909 and wrecked at Gisborne in 1912).

Entry is $5 for visitors to Tairāwhiti.
Entry to the museum is FREE for Tairāwhiti residents.
Children 12 years and under and Friends of the Museum are FREE.

Exhibit Café is open for lunches, brunches and morning teas with a seasonal menu featuring local produce. The cafe is open from 9.30am to 2pm Monday to Friday.

The Tairāwhiti Museum shop stocks a high-quality range of gifts. We pride ourselves on supporting local artists and makers.

In the museum precinct you can also visit C Company Memorial House and Lysnar House Artists Studios.