Canterbury Museum was established in 1867. It officially opened to the public on 3 December 1870.
Some key collections include:
1. Māori and Pacific Collections
- Taonga (treasures) from Ngāi Tahu and other iwi (tribes)
- Waka (canoes), korowai (cloaks), and whakairo (carvings)
- Artifacts from various Pacific cultures
2. Antarctic Exploration
- Items from the expeditions of Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton
- Equipment, clothing, and documents from early Antarctic explorers
3. Natural History
- New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna, including moa skeletons
- Geological specimens, fossils, and minerals
4. Early Canterbury and Colonial History
- Artifacts from European settlers, including furniture, clothing, and tools
- Early photography collections and paintings
5. Asian and Egyptian Collections
- Chinese and Japanese artifacts, including ceramics and textiles
- A small but significant Egyptian collection, including a mummy
6. Costume and Textile Collection
- Historic clothing, including 19th and 20th-century fashion
- Wedding dresses, military uniforms, and accessories
7. Decorative Arts and Social History
- Ceramics, glassware, and furniture from different time periods
- Items reflecting daily life in New Zealand’s history
8. Military History
- New Zealand’s involvement in World War I and II
- Medals, weapons, and personal belongings of soldiers
9. Transport and Technology
- Vintage bicycles, cars, and other forms of transport
- Scientific instruments and early communication devices
10. Archive and Manuscript Collections
- Maps, letters, and documents related to Canterbury’s history
- Photographs and oral histories
As of 2020, museum housed over 2 million objects in its collection.
The museum encompassed approximately 6,500 square meters of floor space. The museum is currently undergoing a significant redevelopment, which includes plans for 6,500 square meters of new exhibition and display space, increasing the total exhibition area by 50%. Upon completion, the museum will feature a total of approximately 9,750 square meters dedicated to exhibitions.
