The Auckland War Memorial Museum recently opened the new South Atrium entrance after being closed for about 18 months.

“The changes to the South Atrium, which has been designed to be more open and assertively Māori and Pacific in character, make a wonderful foil to the original classical style atrium on the north side of the museum,” says Robin Byron, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Senior Conservation Architect.

“One great aspect of the project involved opening up direct circulation routes connecting the front and back of the building – a move which will really assist visitors to navigate their way around the building and enhance their experience of the place.”

The refreshed Te Ao Mārama will embody one of the museum’s guiding principles: manaakitanga, providing a unique and explicit Mana Whenua welcome.

Image: Te Ao Mārama South Atrium Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum.  Credit: Dennis Radermacher Lightforge, Jasmax with FJMT and designTRIBE.