Museum & Gallery

Whittaker's Musical Museum

Lloyd and Joan Whittaker spent years pulling old instruments out of second-hand shops, antique dealers and farm sheds around New Zealand, and in 1996 they put the collection into a room beside the art gallery in the Artworks complex at Oneroa. It has been open ever since, run by a charitable trust and staffed by volunteers.

How muchTe utu: Free
Ages: 4–89+
WhereKei hea: Waiheke Island
Rating: 4.6; 30 on Google

Get directions Their websitemusicalmuseum.org.nz

Perfect for

Museums & Galleries Free Things to Do Indoor Activities

LocationTe wāhi

Waiheke Island

Artworks Complex, 2 Korora Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island, Auckland 1081

Directions Website

What it is

What sets it apart from a museum of things behind glass is that most of the instruments still work, and children are encouraged to try them. Concertinas and bandonions, pianolas that play themselves once somebody pedals, a harpsichord, and the 1897 concert grand Paderewski toured with are all in the room together. Live classical concerts are held on the same instruments through the year. It is a small place and a short visit, best paired with something else in the village. Entry is free, and a koha is appreciated.

What other parents say

Phua Li Tat (Xenon122)8 months ago

A must visit on Waiheke - With an amazingly well kept collection and well-versed, friendly staff, you can really feel the passion for music in the collection of instruments. What's more, you are encouraged to try out the different instruments around the room! It was well worth donating ♥️

Daniel Woodbridge2 years ago

This place is incredible. So many historical musical instruments, wonderful tour and fantastic atmosphere. You can actually play the pianos which was a great experience. Very highly recommend

Read 3 more reviews ↓

Jack Robinson3 years ago

A fantastic hour and a quarter with Rosemary at the Museum. We saw and heard some amazing instruments and heard the story of Lloyd and Joan. What a love story. We exhort all who visit the island make time and arrange a visit. Loved it.

Lynne Johnson7 months ago

Fantastic place to visit.

Ursula Minnaar2 years ago

Would have loved to go and visit. But it was closed on king's birthday. A bit weird as this is a holiday day and the day you would probably atrack most people so for a tourist type thing it's a bit weird to be closed on a day most people can do tourist things.

Reviews from Google.