Welcome to Ashburton Museum

The Centre for Mid Canterbury's Heritage

Admission is free but donations are welcome.

The Ashburton Museum is dedicated to preserving and making available for research and study the history and heritage of the Ashburton District — Mid Canterbury — the area bounded by the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers, the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps.

It is a diverse area with a diverse history, centred principally on farming, initially pastoral farming, then livestock and grain and more recently dairying.

Industries have included woollen mills, freezing works and brickmaking. Many thousands of people have lived in the district since the 1850s, and records of many of their businesses, schools, churches and clubs are hosued in the Museum Archives.

Displays and Exhibitions are on the 'Displays' button
Archives — Businesses, Schools, Clubs, Families information on the 'Research' button.
Photos — People, Buildings, Events. The 'Photos' button has a sample gallery as well as ordering information.
'The Collection' button has a gallery of some of the objects in the collection.
Library — Books about Ashburton history and general history — call in and browse.
Retail — Many books about historical topics for sale, listed on the 'For Sale' button.
Interested in becoming a member or a volunteer helper? Have a look at the 'Join Us' button.

	Smoking is not permitted
	No food or drink in the Museum please!
	Flash photography is not permitted in the museum under any circumstances.
Photographing collection items (without flashlight) requires permission from Museum staff.