From across the web we’ve brought together many of the places you can explore our amazing collections. If you’re a Natural Science fan, a Human History buff or you love Documentary Heritage, this is the place for you online.
Explore the newly catalogued Hillary Pictorial Archive, featuring more than 7,000 photos from Sir Edmund Hillary’s personal collection. These provide a first-hand record of his world-famous international expeditions and of his family life.
In 2008, Sir Edmund Hillary’s extensive personal archive was bequeathed to Auckland Museum and we received funding to support the digitisation of the pictorial items in the collection. Recognised internationally for its importance, this collection has been placed on the UNESCO International Memory of the World Register.
During the infamous 1981 Springbok Rugby Tour of New Zealand, photographer John Mercer documented the clash between protesters and police during the Third Test at Eden Park.
Forty years on, in partnership with John Mercer and Google Arts & Culture, we've released a series of his photos and audio narration where John recollects his memories from that day.
Explore our Applied Arts and Design Collection using this interactive timeline. Slide to reveal objects from any era, dating back to 1565.
Ways you can use images of Auckland Museum collection items
Add interest to your internet
We've made a Google Chrome extension that shares a photo of an object from our Collection every time you open a new browser tab.
Spruce up your Zoom background
Our favourite collection item images, for use as your screensaver or background to your video calls.
Brighten up your day by colouring our collections
Botanical drawings, vintage posters and iconic illustrations have been turned into downloadable colouring-in pages. Take some time out to be mindful and colour-in our collections today.
Staff favourite collection objects
Hear from Nina Finigan, Curator Manuscripts on her favourite two objects in the Auckland Museum collection, filmed in 2017.
To view more information about the letter mentioned visit this collections record page.
The protruding claws may not scream elegance at first, but this purse crafted from the foot of an albatross is part of a long history of pouches and bags fashioned from seabirds. Take a Google Arts & Culture audio tour of this peculiar purse and learn how such a curious object came into being.
Collections Online
We've refreshed our Collections Online section of our website, to make it more user friendly and bring some interesting Collections insights to the fore.