Subscribe to our newsletter - be the first to know about our latest activities and exhibitions.
Thanks for subscribing!
HISTORY
with HEART
WELCOME TO
THE ASHBURTON
MUSEUM
Dig into the past...and discover what created your future. Engage in educational experiences and uncover the cultural and social heritage of Mid Canterbury and Aotearoa.
What's On
Explore our exhibitions and activity programmes.
Opening | Dearly Beloved
Join us for the opening of Dearly Beloved | 100 Years of the Wedding Dress! This exhibition features a selection of bridal wear from our collection, representing wedding…
Opening | Kathy Reilly, Inge and Marc Doesburg, Print Council Aotearoa
Join us for the opening of our three new summer exhibitions! Kathy Reilly’s solo exhibition Peregination: A Sub Antarctic Odyssey explores her Subantarctic research expedition through a variety of printmaking methods. Featured…
The Great Santa Hunt 2025
Where oh where can they be? The Santa Hunt is back, with a twist! Starting at Rokowhiria Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum on December 17, join us for…
Summer Holiday Activities 2025/26
This summer, we have free activities running every day! Drop in anytime between 10am and 4pm to get involved. Check out our list of activities below, or see…
Artist Talk | Kathy Reilly
Join us for an artist talk with printmaker Kathy Reilly. In the summer of 2021, Kathy travelled to the Subantarctic Islands on a research expedition. For thirteen days,…
Dearly Beloved | 100 Years of the Wedding Dress
Weddings are a traditional rite of passage; ceremony overlaid with religious significance and cultural expectations. Befitting the occasion, bridal clothing may be ceremonially symbolic in colour, textile, or…
Workshop | Treasured Threads
At this practical workshop, learn how to protect and preserve your special garments for future generations. Bring along a special garment such as a wedding dress, Christening gown…
Heritage Talk | Dr. Jane Malthus
In western fashion, the white wedding dress came into vogue with Queen Victoria. For various reasons, though, brides have chosen to wear other colours. At this special talk…
Island Breeze
Join us for our monthly Pasifika wāhine art and craft session in Ashburton! If singing, chatting, and art sounds like your cup of tea, come along on the…
Art Addicts
Art Addicts (AA) is Rokowhiria’s weekly art space for kids during the school term. Wrap up your Wednesday school day and head to the Gallery and Museum to…
Able Art Collective
Able Art Collective is a supportive space for individuals with disabilities to explore, learn, create, connect and express themselves through art. Sessions are held on the second Wednesday…
Kōwhai Kids
Kōwhai Kids is our monthly art group for children aged 0-5 years. Join us once a month for a relaxed session where kids can engage with fun sensory…
In Colour
In Colour is a great way to unwind and relax with like-minded people. Bring along your art and craft projects to share with others over morning tea once…