The Friends of Rotorua Museum of Art & History promote awareness and enjoyment of Rotorua Museum collections and events as an essential part of our community and encourage the people of Rotorua to appreciate the arts, crafts and history of the district.

Over the years the Friends of Rotorua Museum have acquired a rich collection of contemporary New Zealand art, which is cared for by Rotorua Museum and available for use in exhibitions.

The Friends co-host the Rotorua Museum Art Awards with the Museum – a biennial exhibition which promotes local artists’ work and encourages emerging and innovative artists.

The Friends hold a range of events throughout the year including talks, exhibitions, visits to private collections, art excursions and more recently toi – Rotorua Arts Festival which includes art trails, open studios workshops, talks and performance.

They also support the Museum with practical projects. These have included cleaning the Summers’ Sculptures, sewing covers to protect the textile collection and rationalising and referencing the archives. Other projects include obtaining funding to acquire new works for the collection and maintaining the collection.

Your membership is an opportunity to get close to our fascinating local history and magnificent art works, meet a range of like-minded people, as well as practically support the ongoing development of Rotorua Museum, and acquisition of new works.

Membership of the Friends provides:

Opportunity to meet other people who are interested in art and in Rotorua’s history and culture
Invitations to special exclusive Friends events
Discounted tickets for public Friends events
Invitations to openings

Contact the host of Join or Renew Membership of The Friends of Rotorua Museum 2026