McDonald Cottage
A vibrant museum connecting the past with the future
Morrinsville
Museum
Te Whare Taonga o Piako
Keeping History Alive
Nau mai haere mai ki te Whare Taonga o Piako -
Welcome to the Morrinsville Museum
Our museum presents a rich history of the district with its artefacts and extensive collection of historic photos. Exhibitions and displays tell the stories of the development of the town of Morrinsville and the district in exciting and unique ways.
The Morrinsville Historical Society was established in 1967 and two years later the Morrinsville Museum was opened in an c1920 villa in Lorne Street.
A purpose built museum opened in Canada Street in 2012, providing the community with a new museum that draws people to learn about the history of this growing rural town.
Exhibitions
Morrinsville Museum have a range of permanent exhibitions that you can explore and learn the important moments in Morrinsville's history.
Displays
Morrinsville Museum have a range of displays that you can explore. These change regularly.
See below for our current displays.
Research
If you are looking for family history, working on a school homework, writing a thesis or an article for a publication, we may have the information you need.
Want to Volunteer at the Morrinsville Museum?
The Museum team of volunteers are involved in various projects ranging from working with the museum collections to meeting and greeting visitors. We are keen to have more volunteers to expand our teams with a view to opening longer hours to cater for visitors over the weekends.
Donate to help preserve our local history
Morrinsville Museum always welcome donations to help preserve the history of Morrinsville. If you would like to donate or become a member of Morrinsville Museum please contact us.
Become a member of the Morrinsville Museum
By becoming a member of the Morrinsville Historical Society, you provide valuable support for the society’s work, receive a monthly newsletter outlining what is happening at the Morrinsville Museum, and you also receive invitations to special events.
Join our Sunday Talks
On the last Sunday of each month, members of the Morrinsville Historical Society and the general public are invited to attend a Sunday Talk. A variety of speakers and presentations about aspects of Morrinsville History is followed by a cup of tea.
Guided Tours
Morrinsville Museum offers guided tours of 30 minutes for our major exhibitions, the McDonald Cottage and Mana Whenua. The cost is $10.00 per person for one tour or $15.00 per person for both tours.
If you would like a guided tour of the whole museum including the ‘back of house” the cost is $20.00 per person.
School visits are by negotiation
To book these tours please phone Morrinsville Museum on 07 889 4190.
McDonald Cottage Guided Tour
The McDonald Cottage was built in 1873 at Kiwitahi. It was donated to the Morrinsville Museum and was moved into Morrinsville in 1972 to the Lorne Street museum site. Some of the furnishings and articles in the cottage belonged to the McDonald family.
The cottage has become an integral part of the 2012 building in Canada Street. Be guided through the cottage with a particular focus on the costumed displays which change every six months. Available on a Friday or by appointment.
Mana Whenua o Piako Guided Tour
This exhibition is unique to Morrinsville. Nine Kingmakers from 6 generations lived and worked in Morrinsville and all but one of these kingmakers are buried around the base of the statue of King Mahuta at Rukumoana Marae. Come and hear the story of this important story in the Morrinsville’s history. Available on a Tuesday or by appointment.
Need a venue?
We have an event room available for hire at Morrinsville Museum. This can be used for planning days, quiz nights, networking events and more.
Morrinsville Museum
41 Canada Street, Morrinsville (opposite the Public Library)
P. 07 889 4190
E. info@morrinsvillemuseum.org.nz
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday from 11.00am to 4.00pm
- First Saturday of the month open for Morrinsville Market Day from 9.00am to 1.00pm
- Sunday from 11.00am to 3.00pm.
