Date/Time
Date(s) - Sun 11 October
9:00 - 17:00
Location
Te Papa
The World Federation of Friends of Museums (WFFM) is an international organisation that connects and supports Friends groups, museum volunteers, and cultural advocates around the world. It promotes the vital role these groups play in strengthening museums through community engagement, fundraising, education, and advocacy. Through global collaboration, shared resources, and international gatherings, WFFM helps Friends organisations champion museums as essential places of learning, connection, and cultural preservation.
The first edition of the World Day of Friends of Museums will take place this year on the second Sunday of October to celebrate the community of 2 million enthusiasts worldwide, under the theme “Your museums, our passion!”
World Day of Friends of Museums on Sunday, 11 October will be a wonderful chance for the Friends of Te Papa to celebrate the work they do throughout the year to support and promote our national museum. Committee members and volunteers will host a welcoming table in the foyer, where Friends and anyone curious about the organisation can stop by for a chat, learn more, or explore membership. Throughout the day they’ll run one‑hour Back of House: Hidden Corners of the Museum tours with Pete Cunninghame, display entries from their photography competition, announce the winners in the afternoon, and offer an opportunity to win a Te Papa Press book giveaway for anyone who joins the Friends on the day. It’s a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new ones, and celebrate the sense of community that makes the Friends of Te Papa so special.
Member exclusive Back-of-House: Hidden Corners of the Museum Tours
This is a unique opportunity for Friends members to see the engine rooms that keep the Te Papa building functioning, guided by Pete Cunninghame, Manager Facilities Delivery, who knows this building better than anyone. For Health and Safety, you must be over 16 years of age to participate in this tour. They have three tours departing at 11am – 12pm, 12.30pm – 1.30pm, and 2pm – 3pm. Places are limited to ten people per tour so register your attendance with the office by email stating your name, phone number and membership number and preferred time to friends@tepapa.govt.nz.
Places will fill quickly for this back-of-house adventure so do not hesitate!