Auckland Museum asbestos closures

The story so far

The Auckland War Memorial Museum closed on 10 May 2025 after asbestos was detected in the ceiling of its original 1929 building, and further asbestos was later found in the Grand Foyer and old building.^{13, 30 May 2025} Staff worked remotely while assessments continued to determine the extent of the contamination, and Fire and Emergency was urgently reviewing an application for an alternative fire exit.^{13 May 2025} The museum was set to partially reopen after a 24-day closure that caused a revenue loss exceeding $450,000.^{30 May 2025} In June, the museum indefinitely closed its Te Marae Atea Māori Court and Pacific galleries, which may stay shut until 2029 and complicate planned centenary redevelopment works.^{26 Jun 2025}

Latest

The Māori Court and Pacific galleries have been closed indefinitely because of the asbestos found in May.^{26 Jun 2025}

What's next

The Māori and Pacific galleries may remain closed until 2029, complicating the planned centenary redevelopment works.^{26 Jun 2025}

Key moments

1. 13 May 2025Museum closed entirely after more asbestos found in Grand Foyer and old building.
2. 30 May 2025Partial reopening set after 24-day closure; revenue loss exceeds $450,000.
3. 26 Jun 2025Māori and Pacific galleries closed indefinitely; may stay shut until 2029.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.