There's always something fascinating at Aratoi, the Wairarapa's largest museum. You'll discover national and Wairarapa displays, exquisite Māori taonga/treasures, ceramics, paintings, photography, children's art, textiles, and much more.
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.
Here's what's on right now:
The Wairarapa Art Review is the finest selection of local art: held every two years since 1999 and open to all artists living in the Wairarapa, the Review is on display now in the Wesley Wing. Seven awards were given and the works are varied and wonderful. Vote for your favourite in the People's Choice too. On now till February 16.
Rhondda Greig's exhibition on Home, Paint and Poem: First there was Phoenician. Carterton-based artist Rhondda Greig explores the notion of home through painted letters and words. On now till 9 February 2020.
Andy Irvine, one of the great Irish singers, performs at Aratoi on 30th January 2020.
His voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He has been hailed as "a tradition in himself." Andy received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards in 2018.
Get your ticket from the Masterton or Martinborough i-SITE Vistor Centres or Eventfinda.
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 town to check out!
