Last updated June 2026
Kahukura Hawke’s Bay Museum (formerly MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahuriri) is Napier’s premier museum, art gallery and performance venue in the heart of the CBD. The complex occupies three connected buildings at the corner of Tennyson Street and Marine Parade, with free entry to the galleries every day except Christmas Day. It houses the region’s taonga Māori, fine arts, social history and costume collections, plus the headline 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake exhibition now known as Shockwave. The on-site Century Theatre adds live performances, film screenings and events to the cultural offering.
Practical Information
| Address | 1 Tennyson Street, Napier (corner of Marine Parade); Century Theatre entrances at 9 Herschell Street and Marine Parade |
| Hours | Daily 9.30am–5pm (galleries); closed Christmas Day. Theatre events have separate timings. |
| Cost | Free entry to galleries (donations welcome). Separate ticketing for some theatre performances. |
| Includes | Museum and gallery exhibitions, Taonga Māori collection, 1931 earthquake exhibit, Century Theatre (330 seats) |
| Buildings | Three connected buildings redeveloped and reopened in 2013 |
| Operator | Hawke’s Bay Museums Trust (collection); Napier City Council (facility) |
| Accessibility | Fully wheelchair accessible with lifts, ramps, accessible toilets and hearing loop in the theatre |
| Parking | Free two-hour parking on Marine Parade; accessible parks on Herschell Street |
About Kahukura Hawke’s Bay Museum
Kahukura Hawke’s Bay Museum (also styled Hawke’s Bay Museum) serves as the regional museum and gallery for Hawke’s Bay. It was previously known as MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahuriri and, before that, the Hawke’s Bay Museum & Art Gallery. The current complex combines museum collections, gallery spaces and the Century Theatre in three connected buildings that were redeveloped and reopened in 2013.
The collection is held in trust by the Hawke’s Bay Museums Trust. It includes significant Taonga Māori from Ngāti Kahungunu and the wider region, fine arts by artists such as Rita Angus, regional social history, costume and textiles, and natural history items. Permanent displays focus on the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake and Māori heritage, while rotating exhibitions occupy the gallery spaces.
The Century Theatre, a 330-seat modernist venue built in 1977, forms an integral part of the complex. It hosts chamber music, film festivals, live performances, talks and the MTG Movie Club (now continuing under the new name). The theatre is accessed via Herschell Street or Marine Parade.
Exhibitions and Collections
The headline permanent exhibition is Shockwave: Hawke’s Bay’s Great Quake 1931, an immersive display on the magnitude 7.8 earthquake of 3 February 1931 that killed 256 people and led to the Art Deco rebuild of Napier. The exhibition includes interactive elements and survivor stories.
Additional permanent and changing displays cover Taonga Māori, fine arts by regional and national artists, social history from pre-European times through to the post-earthquake era, and a major costume and textiles collection. A trailblazing women exhibition has also featured stories of notable Hawke’s Bay women.
Visiting the Museum
Entry to the galleries is free every day except Christmas Day. Visitors can spend from 30 minutes to several hours exploring the collections and exhibitions. The Century Theatre programme runs alongside the museum offering, with separate booking required for performances and films. Check the official website for current what’s-on details.
The complex is centrally located, a short walk from the Napier i-SITE, waterfront attractions and public transport. Free two-hour parking is available on Marine Parade, with accessible options nearby. The site is fully accessible, with lifts, ramps and accessible toilets throughout.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers praise the free entry, the powerful 1931 earthquake exhibition with its survivor accounts and interactive elements, and the strong Taonga Māori collection. Many note that the combination of museum, gallery and theatre makes it a convenient cultural hub in central Napier.
Practical feedback highlights the need to check theatre programming in advance for film festivals or live events, and the value of allowing at least 1.5–2 hours for the galleries. The central location and accessibility features receive consistent positive mentions.
Where to Learn More
Hawke’s Bay Museum official site: current exhibitions, theatre programme, visitor information and planning resources.
Napier City Council – Hawke’s Bay Museum: facility details, accessibility information and council context.
Wikipedia – MTG Hawke’s Bay: historical overview and collection background (updated for name changes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kahukura Hawke’s Bay Museum located?
1 Tennyson Street, Napier, on the corner of Marine Parade and Tennyson Street. Century Theatre entrances are at 9 Herschell Street and Marine Parade.
Is entry free?
Yes, entry to the galleries is free every day except Christmas Day. Donations are welcome. Some theatre events require separate tickets.
What are the opening hours?
Galleries are open daily 9.30am–5pm except Christmas Day. Theatre events have their own timings.
What happened to the MTG name?
The facility was rebranded from MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahuriri to Kahukura Hawke’s Bay Museum following recent developments including a new collection storage facility.
What is the Shockwave exhibition?
The permanent immersive exhibition on the 3 February 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake, featuring interactive elements, survivor stories and a simulated experience.
Does the museum have Māori taonga?
Yes, it holds a major Taonga Māori collection representing Ngāti Kahungunu and the wider Hawke’s Bay region.
What is the Century Theatre?
A 330-seat venue within the complex that hosts live performances, chamber music, film festivals and other events. Separate booking is required.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, with flat entry, lifts, ramps, accessible toilets and a hearing loop in the theatre. A wheelchair is available on request.
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