There's always something fascinating at Aratoi, the Wairarapa's largest museum. Discover national and Wairarapa displays, exquisite Māori taonga/treasures, ceramics, paintings, photography, children's art, textiles, and much more.
Check out what's on at Aratoi now:
- Focus on the Collection: Douglas MacDiarmid Centenary Art Trail - Showing work by Douglas MacDiarmid (1922-2020), an acclaimed NZ expatriate painter, known for his diverse work and mastery of colour until 4 December 2022.
- Rā Whānau ki a King Street Artworks - Featuring 25 artists to celebrate 25 years and acknowledge all of those that have passed through the doors until 4 December 2022.
- Masterton Museum: A Cabinet of Curiosities - A collection of fascinating and curious objects gathered by local people until 2 July 2023.
Aratoi is part of the Masterton Arts Quarter, along with ConArt Gallery & Studio next door, King St Artworks and Te Pa. Download the Masterton Arts Quarter leaflet to learn more.
Entry to Aratoi is by donation - please give what you can. Aratoi is a registered charity.
Aratoi also serves as a performance art space, an educational centre, and has an eclectic gift shop.
Not far from Aratoi are a range of other activities and places:
Next door is Entice Cafe, a very family-friendly cafe with great coffee. The Masterton i-SITE Visitor Centre is just next door, and beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park is over the road. A few metres away is The Wool Shed, New Zealand's national museum of sheep and shearing. You can see this is a cool part of Masterton to check out!
