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MTG Hawke's Bay
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · NZ

MTG Hawke's Bay

Getting around: In central Napier, on Marine Parade, walkable from downtown.
Hours: Open daily, typically 10am-4:30pm — check current hours.

MTG Hawke's Bay (Museum Theatre Gallery) combines the region's museum and art gallery in one striking modern building, with collections spanning Māori taonga, the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake, and regional art, alongside a working theatre for events. Its earthquake gallery is particularly notable, given how central that disaster was to shaping the Art Deco city visitors see today.

It's a solid, moderately sized regional museum, generally taking a couple of hours, and a good complement to walking Napier's Art Deco streets since it explains the history behind them.

MTG Hawke's Bay FAQs

Is entry free?

Core exhibition access is generally free or low-cost, with some special exhibitions charging a fee — check current pricing.

What's the earthquake exhibit about?

It covers the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake, which devastated Napier and led directly to its distinctive Art Deco rebuild.

How long does a visit take?

1.5-2 hours for the main galleries.

Is it good to visit before or after the Art Deco walking tour?

Before is often recommended, since the earthquake gallery gives useful context for why Napier looks the way it does.

Does it host events?

Yes, the attached theatre hosts performances and events separate from the museum/gallery visit.

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