Level Two
In our short history warfare has played a major role in shaping New Zealand's identity. These galleries, situated on Level 2, tell the story of New Zealand's involvement in wars from the New Zealand Wars to East Timor.
Scars on the Heart covers the New Zealand civil wars and Anglo-Boer War of the 19th century, the First and Second World Wars, the Asian conflicts and our armed forces involvement in recent United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Atarau: Stories of the New Zealand Wars explores the complex and important memories of the New Zealand Wars and how they continue to shape us today.
Inscribed on the walls of the World War One Hall of Memories are the 7297 names of New Zealanders from the Auckland Province who died in the First World War. Almost a third of them have no known grave.
After World War Two, it was decided to expand our war memorial to honour all of Auckland province's fallen soldiers. The additions would include new Halls of Memory to remember the 11,671 men and women killed in the Second World War.
Our Memorial Discovery Centre, Pou Maumahara, is a place for visitors to research and make personal discoveries about New Zealand servicemen and women.
The Holocaust Gallery was developed with the support of Auckland's Jewish community and tells the story of the Holocaust through artifacts, photographs and the personal stories of refugees who came to New Zealand.
In the Regimental Colours Gallery you can discover the meaning of the beautiful stained glass, inscriptions, Rolls of Honour and other architectural details which adorn and sanctify our building.
Formed in November 1867 as part of the Auckland Institute, the Auckland War Memorial Museum Research Library Te Pātaka Mātāpuna is one of New Zealand’s major research libraries.
The Zero aeroplane is an iconic Second World War object which many Museum visitors come to see. It is displayed in its own gallery that has viewing platforms from which visitors can have a bird's-eye-view of the plane.
The Spitfire was the favourite fighter aircraft of New Zealand and British fighter pilots in World War Two. This rare late example was never flown in combat but was presented to the people of New Zealand by a grateful Britain.
The Museum's 199 seat tiered auditorium is perfect for business presentations or small live performances.