Heritage collections and taonga

Nelson has a number of valuable heritage collections that can be viewed by the public.

Nelson Provincial Museum collection

Nelson Provincial Museum, Pupuri Taonga O Te Tai Ao in Trafalgar Street, is open daily apart from Good Friday and Christmas Day. Their extensive archival photographic collection is housed at Isel Park and can be viewed by appointment. Find out more about the Nelson Provincial Museum.

Collection at Civic House

Civic House treasures belonging to Nelson City Council in Trafalgar Street include a number of items of interest in their collection-including items such as a ceremonial cloak, Māori carved entrance to the mayoral Chamber, memorabilia around Lord Nelson and gifts to the Nelson city from her sister cities. Learn more about some of the treasures in Civic House.

Founders Heritage Park collection

Founders Heritage Park provides a snapshot back in time of the life in Nelson from 1880-1950 with its permanent collection of memorabilia in a park setting. Find out more about Founders Heritage Park.

Broadgreen House and Isel House collections

Other fascinating collections on display include those at Broadgreen Historic House an elegantly restored Victorian Cobb cottage, and Isel House.

Libraries

The Elma Turner library on Halifax St in Nelson city has an excellent reference section and has some books from one of the first libraries in New Zealand, that was started in 1842 on a sailing ship on its way to the new colony.  Read the story The library from the sea by Dorothy Stafford written to celebrate Nelson's library.

Smaller specialist libraries are found with many community organisations such as the library at the Latter Day Saints church in Nayland Rd. The Nelson Branch of the Genealogical Society and the Returned Services Association both have interesting reference materials.

Read about the history of the Nelson Libraries

Historic art works by famous early artists who captured the essence of the New Zealand landscape, such as Gully and Woollaston, are kept in The Suter collection and displayed in various exhibitions during the year. Contact The Suter for more information on their collection and upcoming exhibitions.

Go to the The Suter Art Gallery website