Day 1: Create & Challenge

Day 2: Protest & Demonstrate

Day 3: Tour & Explore

The Future of Monuments

Today, many want to pull down war memorials as expressions of bad politics, especially those memorials that legitimise evil and injustice. Are there 'good' war memorials—and who decides? Can we make use of 'bad' war memorials? How do we understand miscellaneous contemporary war-memorial projects, like Peter Eisenman's Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin and Ground Zero in New York, or Weta and Te Papa's The Scale of War and Peter Jackson 'colourising' World War I footage? What form could future memorials take?

Everyday Mysticism: Artists Respond 

8pm 

Sculptor Glen Hayward’s practice brings the everyday into the gallery in profound and absurd ways. Reconsidering familiar objects is a concern shared by other artists. Join us as they discuss their practices and why they find commonplace objects compelling. 

Photo: Tony Webster, Christopher Columbus Statue Torn Down at Minnesota State Capitol

Urn (Live)

9pm

Sonic artists Thomas Carroll (Ngati Maru, Hauraki) and Rob Tyler respond to the themes of Matarau. Fusing taonga pūoro and modular synthesis, they incorporate rongoā plants as a modulation source, to create works inspired by Māori philosophy, cosmology and experimental noise music.  

IMAGE Glen Hayward: Wish You Were Here City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi 2022. Photo Elias Rodriguez.

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We invite you to be a part of an extraordinary journey – the transformation of Space Place into a cutting-edge space learning hub that will captivate minds and inspire generations to come.

Imagine a place where the wonders of the universe are brought to life in stunning detail, where hands-on experiences spark curiosity, and where every visit leaves a lasting impression. 

Your contribution, whether it's a one-time donation, a multi-year pledge, or a partnership arrangement, will make a tangible difference. It will enable our team of passionate experts to reimagine our exhibitions, expand our educational offerings, and introduce the wonders of space to new audiences. You will transform Space Place and ensure it is a Space to Soar for thousands of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, educators, adult learners, space buffs and science enthusiasts for years to come.

The Ten Largest, 1907. Photograph courtesy of Moderna Museet, Stockholm

The last major refresh at Space Place was carried out in 2009.  Advancements in space knowledge has been huge over the last 15 years and our exhibitions are now out-of-date. To thrive and grow, reimagined exhibitions and interactive technology at Space Place are needed to reflect our increased understanding and help amplify learning for everyone.  

Space Place now has a fresh entry and reconfigured foyer which flows onto renewed exhibitions that include the latest stories of human exploration, science and technology, a much stronger emphasis on mātauranga Māori and Pacific navigation and an engaging and interactive visitor experience. These enhancements follow several years of expert consultation, advice and feedback.

Top-to-bottom transformation

Join us in transforming Space Place: ignite curiosity, inspire exploration

Space to Soar 

Restore, revitalise and reimagine

Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place

Each year over 3,000 tamariki and rangatahi experience science and space exploration through our school learning programmes.

We use astronomy and space science to show young people how science works, to spark curiosity and creativity, share the human stories behind scientific discoveries, and give students the confidence to make discoveries on their own.

Space Place is a site of exceptional and unique learning. With your help, the reimagination of Space Place will help foster a culture of curiosity and inclusivity and inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers.

Unlocking the potential in every mind

Over 42,000 visitors experience the wonder of our universe each year, and over the course of its history Space Place has inspired more than 250,000 students with STEM based learning activities to spark their imagination.

Space Place presents opportunities for young learners to develop and increase their space curiosity and follow a pathway into the growing space sector of Aotearoa.

Space is the future. Help tamariki and rangatahi shoot for the stars

With your help we will deliver on our plans to further reimagine and reinvigorate the exhibitions at Space Place. You will strengthen the mission and potential of Space Place and help ensure we’re a 21st century learner and visitor experience.  

The time to invest is now. We invite you to contribute and make this vision a reality. Carter Observatory was born from a generous act of philanthropy by Charles Rooking Carter. Further philanthropic acts supported the growth of astronomy including a bequest from Ruth Crisp. Supporters like you will make sure Space Place provides transformative experiences for future generations and can hold its own in the world of science and astronomy.

The opportunity: transformative experiences and a bright future

See how Space Place presents opportunities for young learners to develop and increase their space curiosity and follow a pathway of discovery.

© 2024 Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington

Hear from Daniel Wrench (NASA intern student 2023) and Sophia Geris (Woolf Fisher Scholarship recipient) about how special Space Place is to them.

A special thanks to the following supporters for their contributions towards our renewal project so far...

Sally & Brian Hasell

Betina Pavri & Randy Pollock