Story Worlds | Threads from the Museum Collection with Natasha McKinney

Ao Pūrākau: Ētehi Whenu mai i te Kohinga o te Whare Pupuri Taonga

Have you ever wondered what’s hidden in museum collection?

Step behind the scenes and into the heart of the museum, where every object holds a story – of time, place and people. Pictorial Curator Natasha McKinney will invite you to explore the diverse visual languages artists have used to depict Taranaki. Sense the tension of war time in the watercolours of a military captain, the tranquillity of the forest in depictions of local flora, and the austerity and joy captured in early photography. Whether you're a history buff, a curious creative, or simply love a good story, this tour will open your eyes to the wonders of Puke Ariki’s collections.

Please note: Collection store tours are not available to those aged under 16 years, or to pregnant women, due to cultural reasons.

Bookings are required.

Curator Bio

Natasha McKinney is the Pictorial Curator at Puke Ariki, and works with the photographic and art collections. Her favourite part of curating is bringing lesser-known histories to the fore in visually interesting ways. She curated Puke Ariki’s ‘Home Work’ exhibition of Taranaki art in 2024.

ABOUT THE STORY WORLDS FESTIVAL

Story Worlds is a new festival that invites audiences to experience storytelling as a rich, interconnected practice—through the written word, material culture, and oral traditions. Explore the programme, which stretches across Puke Ariki Museum, Libraries, and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre for four days of sessions that celebrate storytelling in all its forms and honour the ways stories help us make sense of ourselves, each other, and the world we share.

At Puke Ariki accessibility is very important to us. We want everyone in the community to be able to enjoy our museum and libraries. A lift goes from the St Aubyn Street car park to the museum entrance. There are three lifts inside Puke Ariki that will get you to all parts of the building.