Aotearoa – Māori Myths and Legends of New Zealand

Saturday 27 January to Sunday 9 June 2024 | Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum

A Spotlight Exhibition

From the myths and legends originating in this island country to the impact of colonialism upon it, this exhibition explores the vibrant, resilient culture of the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Encounter objects from the collection on display for the first time and discover their histories.

Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum is committed to working with the Indigenous cultures that are represented in its collections and is working with the tangata whenua of New Zealand in the production of this 2024 exhibition.

This exhibition is free to visit; no booking is needed. Plan your visit to the Art Gallery and Museum.

Bite-size Talks

Waitangi Day – A New Zealand National Day

Tuesday 6 February 2024, 2 – 2.30pm.

What is Waitangi Day and what does it mean to New Zealanders? This talk explores the history of the day and the consequences of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi to the Māori of New Zealand.

Matariki – Māori New Year

Tuesday 2 July 2024, 2 – 2.30pm.

The arrival of Matariki (the Pleiades star cluster) in the winter sky brings the Māori New Year. It is a time for communities to gather and remember, a time of peace and celebration. This talk will explore how New Zealand observes the Māori New Year, which takes place in 2024 around Friday 28 June. Please note this talk takes place after the exhibition closes in order to coincide with Māori New Year.