Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa
Project info
DPA Architects are acting as lead architects and heritage architects for the seismic strengthening and restoration of buildings that house Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa. The project involves a seismic upgrade, extensive work to renew and weatherproof the roof, as well as fabric repairs, reinstatement of heritage elements, and other remedial works. The work continues an involvement by Dave Pearson in Rotorua's iconic Bath House building spanning more than 25 years.
The Tudor-style Bath House building, which houses the museum, was opened in 1908 on land in the Government Gardens that had been gifted to the town of Rotorua by Ngāti Whakaue. The Bath House was a thermal spa that offered medical and therapeutic treatments and was the New Zealand Government’s first major investment in the tourist industry. After its closure as a spa, it was reopened as the Rotorua Museum in 1969.
The current seismic strengthening and restoration work is due for completion in 2026 and will include a new café and upgrades to other key museum amenities.
The current seismic strengthening and restoration work is due for completion in 2026 and will include a new café and upgrades to other key museum amenities.
