The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, commonly known as Te Papa, is the national museum and art gallery of New Zealand. Located in Wellington, it opened in 1998 after the merging of the National Museum and the National Art Gallery. Te Papa has a diverse range of exhibits, covering topics such as New Zealand's history, culture, natural environment, art, science and technology.
One of the most popular exhibits at Te Papa is the colossal squid, the largest invertebrate in the world, which is on permanent display. The museum also has a significant collection of Maori artifacts, including carvings, weaving, and taonga (treasures). Te Papa's natural history collection includes specimens of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna, including extinct species such as the moa.
Te Papa also has exhibits on New Zealand's history, including its early European settlers, the Treaty of Waitangi, and its role in world wars. The museum also showcases contemporary New Zealand art and photography, and hosts regular exhibitions on a range of topics.
In addition to its exhibitions, Te Papa has a range of interactive displays and activities, making it a great family-friendly destination. The museum also has several cafes and a gift shop. Admission to Te Papa is free, although some special exhibitions may have a fee.