The Rotorua Museum — formally Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa, the Treasure House of Te Arawa — has been closed to the public since November 2016, when post-Kaikōura earthquake assessments revealed the building required major structural strengthening. The museum occupies the landmark Tudor Revival Bath House building in the heart of Government Gardens, built in 1908, and is one of Rotorua’s most recognisable heritage buildings. A $73.55 million earthquake strengthening and redevelopment project is under way, with the museum expected to reopen in mid-2028.
At a Glance
| Address | Queens Drive, Government Gardens, Rotorua 3010 |
| Current status | CLOSED — earthquake strengthening under way |
| Closed since | November 2016 |
| Expected reopening | Mid-2028 |
| Project cost | $73.55 million (earthquake strengthening and redevelopment) |
| Managed by | Rotorua Lakes Council |
| Entry | Not accessible — construction site |
The Building: A 1908 Tudor Revival Bath House
The Bath House was constructed in 1908 by the New Zealand Government as a luxury therapeutic bathing facility, capitalising on Rotorua’s geothermal waters during the spa tourism boom of the early twentieth century. Designed in the Tudor Revival style by architect J. Campbell, the building features distinctive half-timbered gables, red brick, and ornamental chimneys that made it one of the most distinctive government buildings in New Zealand. It was the premier thermal bathing establishment in the country at the time of its opening and remained in use as a bathhouse until 1966, when it was repurposed as the Rotorua Museum of Art and History.
The building is set within Government Gardens — a formal park featuring manicured lawns, a rose garden, a bowling green, and direct lake frontage on Lake Rotorua. Even while the museum is closed, the Government Gardens remain open and the exterior of the Bath House is visible and photographable from the grounds.
The Earthquake Strengthening Project
Following the November 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, structural assessments determined that the Bath House required significant earthquake strengthening before it could safely reopen to the public. The geology beneath the building — active geothermal ground with variable and unstable soil conditions — complicated the engineering challenge considerably. The $73.55 million project covers full seismic strengthening of the heritage structure as well as redevelopment of the interior to create a contemporary museum facility.
A funding shortfall of approximately $7.8 million for exhibition development remained as of 2025, with Rotorua Lakes Council and the museum trust working to secure the remaining funds from central government and other sources. The core construction work was progressing toward a mid-2028 reopening.
What the Museum Will Offer
When it reopens, Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa will focus on the history and culture of the Te Arawa people, Rotorua’s geothermal story, and the wider history of the region from pre-European settlement through the spa town era to the present. The original bath pools in the basement of the building — which survived the museum years — are expected to be part of the redeveloped attraction.
What to Do in the Area Now
Government Gardens remains open and is worth visiting even while the museum is closed. The formal gardens, bowling green, and lake views are accessible, and the Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge boardwalk begins at the south-eastern corner of the grounds. The Polynesian Spa, operating independently adjacent to the gardens on Hinemoa Street, continues to offer thermal bathing in geothermal pools — a direct continuation of what the Bath House originally provided.
Where to Learn More
Rotorua Museum — Official Website — project updates, background on the building’s history, and information on the redevelopment progress.
Rotorua Lakes Council — council updates on the museum project and the Government Gardens precinct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rotorua Museum open?
No — the Rotorua Museum has been closed since November 2016. It is currently undergoing a $73.55 million earthquake strengthening and redevelopment project. The expected reopening date is mid-2028.
Why is the Rotorua Museum closed?
The building required major earthquake strengthening following structural assessments after the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake. The complex geothermal geology beneath the building significantly complicated and extended the strengthening work.
When will the Rotorua Museum reopen?
The expected reopening is mid-2028, subject to the redevelopment project progressing on schedule and the remaining exhibition funding being secured.
Can I see the Bath House building?
Yes — the exterior of the 1908 Bath House building is visible from Government Gardens, which remain open to the public. You cannot enter the building while construction is under way.
What is the Bath House building?
Built in 1908 in the Tudor Revival style, it was New Zealand’s premier government thermal bathhouse during the spa tourism era. It operated as a bathhouse until 1966, then as the Rotorua Museum of Art and History until its closure in 2016.
What can I do near the museum while it’s closed?
Government Gardens are open and free. The Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge boardwalk begins at the south edge of the gardens. The Polynesian Spa is adjacent on Hinemoa Street and offers thermal pool access.
The Rotorua Museum is a central part of the Government Gardens precinct. Explore the nearby Sulphur Point wildlife refuge walk while the museum is closed, or visit the Buried Village Te Wairoa for another window into Rotorua’s rich history. See the historical and cultural sites in Rotorua hub for more.
