December/January highlights @Te Papa

6 December 2004

December/January highlights @Te Papa

Summer at Te Papa promises a bumper crop of exhibitions, performances, and family events. The exhibition Space - A galaxy of adventure opens on December 11. With a space station feel, this high energy, fast-paced show offers children the chance to land a space shuttle, fire a rocket, join in a space race, and much more. In January, there's a fantastic Family Day of Space events as well as Starlab sessions and a talk on the probe that's nearing Saturn. Te Papa's first online exhibition, Mäori Showbands, opens on December 4 with a star-studded reunion from the 1950s and 60s. Other newly opened exhibitions well worth seeing are Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation: 1940 - today, featuring significant works from the art and visual culture collections, and, blasting from the past, Out on the Street: New Zealand in the 1970s Tutü te puehu. The 1970s saw immense social change in New Zealand, and here you can revisit the sights, the sounds, the art, the issues.

Come to Te Papa's special Christmas Festival. In support of the exhibition Qui Tutto Bene: The Italians in New Zealand, several events will feature classical Italian music. As well there's carols, Christmas decoration making, and you can bring a gift for the Christmas tree to go to children who will be spending Christmas with their families in Wellington Children's Hospital. For kids, there's also a Discovery Hour about Venetian masks with a chance to make one too! January is brimming with things to do for the whole family. Most days will feature craft activities in the Discovery Centres, there's a workshop teaching the secrets of poi, Footbag Nationals, and more. Come along and enjoy!

EVENTS:

DECEMBER

Thursday 9 Festival Della Musica Classica Italiana. In support of the exhibition Qui Tutto Bene: The Italians in New Zealand, many events this month will celebrate the season with a classical Italian flavour. Thursday 9-Friday 24 December. 10am-6pm: Te Papa's Christmas tree. From now until Christmas Eve you can bring a gift for this beautiful tree. Gifts will go to children spending their Christmas in Wellington Children's Hospital and their families. Please hand your unwrapped gifts in at the Information Desk, Level 2. 7pm-11pm with interval: The Performance Date. Enjoy a magical journey through the year visiting special calendar dates with young dancers and singers from the Deborah Hale Musical Theatre. Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Admission charges apply. For tickets phone (04) 236 6641.

Friday 10 7pm-11pm with interval: The Performance Date. Enjoy a magical journey through the year visiting special calendar dates with young dancers and singers from the Deborah Hale Musical Theatre. Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Admission charges apply. For tickets phone (04) 236 6641.

Saturday 11 Space: A galaxy of adventure exhibition opens! 11am-12 noon: Make a super space badge. Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2. 12 noon-1pm: Quintessential Brass. Enjoy this acoustic brass quintet whose members study at the Massey Conservatorium of Music. Signs of a Nation, Level 4. Free entry. 7pm-11pm with interval: The Performance Date. Enjoy a magical journey through the year visiting special calendar dates with young dancers and singers from the Deborah Hale Musical Theatre. Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Admission charges apply. For tickets phone (04) 236 6641.

Sunday 12 11am-12 noon: Make a leaping poraka (frog) on a lily pad. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2. 11am-3pm with interval: The Performance Date. Enjoy a magical journey through the year visiting special calendar dates with young dancers and singers from the Deborah Hale Musical Theatre. Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Admission charges apply. For tickets phone (04) 236 6641. 2pm-3pm: Wellington South Salvation Army Band. Enjoy festive music. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Free entry.

Tuesday 14 11am-12 noon: Make a solar system mobile. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.

Wednesday 15 11am-12 noon: Make a dress-up astronaut. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2. 11am-2pm: Make a cool Kiwi Christmas decoration. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Gold coin donation.

Thursday 16 11am-12 noon: Make a woven ika (fish) mobile. Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2. 11am-2pm: Make a cool Kiwi Christmas decoration. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Gold coin donation.

Friday 17 11am-2pm: Make a cool Kiwi Christmas decoration. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Gold coin donation. 1pm-1.45pm: Italian opera with James Rodgers. Come and celebrate Italian opera with one of New Zealand's most promising young tenors. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry. 2pm-3pm: Discovery Hour: Mask Mania. Hey kids! Find out about the magic of the Venice Carnevale with History Curator Lynette Townsend. Check out some real Venetian masks, then make your own! Inspiration Station, Level 4. Free entry.

Saturday 18 11am-12 noon: Make a space fridge magnet. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2. 11am-2pm: Make a cool Kiwi Christmas decoration. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Gold coin donation. 1pm-2pm: Vocal Accord. Let this lively Wellington quartet serenade you with Christmas carols. Roaming Te Papa. Free entry. 1.30pm-3pm: Space talk for kids and adults. Learn more about Space at this audio-visual presentation about stellar genesis, extraterrestrials, and much more. Suitable for children 8+. In conjunction with Carter Observatory. Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.

Sunday 19 11am-12 noon: Create a sandy sandcastle picture. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2. 11am-2pm: Make a cool Kiwi Christmas decoration. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Gold coin donation. 12.30pm-1.10pm: Wellington City Chorus. Hear one of New Zealand's best choirs sing your favourite Christmas carols. Wellington Foyer, Level 2, & Signs of a Nation, Level 4. Free entry. 1pm-2pm: Soul Paua with Mo'Reece. See this award-nominated acoustic duo featuring Mo'Reece. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Monday 20 11am-2pm: Make a cool Kiwi Christmas decoration. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Gold coin donation. 12.30pm-1.15pm: 'Christmas Festival Lunchtime Concert' series. Escape in your lunch break to a celebration of Italian opera, with a few favourite Christmas tunes as well, from Georgia Jamieson Emms, Megan Corby, and special guests. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Tuesday 21 11am-12 noon: Make a Christmas cracker. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2. 11am-2pm: Make a cool Kiwi Christmas decoration. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Gold coin donation. 12.30pm-1.15pm: 'Christmas Festival Lunchtime Concert' series. Escape in your lunch break to a celebration of Italian opera, with a few favourite Christmas tunes as well, from Georgia Jamieson Emms, Megan Corby, and special guests. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Wednesday 22 11am-12 noon: Make a Christmas stocking. Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2. 11am-2pm: Make a cool Kiwi Christmas decoration. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Gold coin donation. 12.30pm-1.15pm: 'Christmas Festival Lunchtime Concert' series. Escape in your lunch break to a celebration of Italian opera, with a few favourite Christmas tunes as well, from Georgia Jamieson Emms, Megan Corby, and special guests. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Thursday 23 11am-12 noon: Make a Christmas card. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2. 11am-2pm: Make a cool Kiwi Christmas decoration. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Gold coin donation. 12.30pm-1.15pm: 'Christmas Festival Lunchtime Concert' series. Escape in your lunch break to a celebration of Italian opera, with a few favourite Christmas tunes as well, from Georgia Jamieson Emms, Megan Corby, and special guests. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Friday 24 Christmas Eve 12 noon-1pm: Zappo the Magician. Join in the magic of Christmas with a special festive show from Zappo the Magician. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Saturday 25 Merry Christmas! Meri Kirihimete! 11am-12 noon: Make a Christmas badge. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.

Sunday 26 11am-12 noon: Make a holiday lolly lei. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2. 12 noon-2pm: About Face Productions. Roaming comic performers. Throughout Te Papa. Free entry.

Monday 27 12 noon-2pm: About Face Productions. Roaming comic performers. Throughout Te Papa. Free entry.

Tuesday 28 11am-12 noon: Make comet poi. Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2. 12 noon-1pm: About Face Productions. Roaming comic performers. Throughout Te Papa. Free entry.

Wednesday 29 11am-12 noon: Decorate a moon rock. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2. 12 noon-1pm: About Face Productions. Roaming comic performers. Throughout Te Papa. Free entry.

Thursday 30 11am-12 noon: Make a leaning tower of Pisa. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2. 12 noon-1pm: About Face Productions. Roaming comic performers. Throughout Te Papa. Free entry.

Friday 31 12 noon-1pm: About Face Productions. Roaming comic performers. Throughout Te Papa. Free entry.

JANUARY

Saturday 1 Happy New Year! 11am-12 noon: Make a New Year diary. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2. 12 noon-3pm: About Face Productions. Roaming comic performers. Throughout Te Papa. Free entry.

Sunday 2 11am-12 noon: Make a Tangaroa (god of the sea) puzzle. Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2. 12 noon-3pm: About Face Productions. Roaming comic performers. Throughout Te Papa. Free entry.

Monday 3 1pm-2pm: Cook Islands Catholic Sunday School Culture Group. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Free entry.

Tuesday 4 11am-12 noon: Make a mad mosaic. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2. 1pm-2pm: Cook Islands Catholic Sunday School Culture Group. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Free entry.

Wednesday 5 11am-12 noon: Weave a Pasifika fan. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.

Thursday 6 11am-12 noon: Create a space alien mask. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.

Saturday 8 11am-12 noon: Make a mini gondola. Te Huka ä Tai, Level. Cost $2. 11.30am-12 noon, 12.30pm-1pm, 2.30pm-3pm: Stories under the stars. Hey kids! Come and see constellations and learn about stars inside Te Papa's Starlab - our inflatable planetarium. Bookings to be made at Inspiration Station, Level 4. Free entry. 12 noon-12.30pm & 1.30pm-2pm: Soul Food Tellers. Hear some magical space stories from two of New Zealand's leading storytellers, Tony Hopkins and Moira Wairama. Te Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Sunday 9 11am-12 noon: Create a super space ship. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2. SPACE FAMILY DAY Inspiration Station, Level 4. All events free entry unless noted. In conjunction with the exhibition Space - A galaxy of adventure. 10am-11am: Make an outrageous outer space badge. Cost $2. 10am-11am: Space face-painting. 11am-12 noon: Make a super space ship. Cost $2. 11.30am-12 noon: Come and see constellations and learn about stars inside Te Papa's Starlab - our inflatable planetarium. Bookings to be made at Inspiration Station. 12 noon-12.30pm: Hear some magical space stories with two of New Zealand's leading storytellers, Tony Hopkins and Moira Wairama. 12.30pm-1pm: Come and see constellations and learn about stars inside Te Papa's Starlab - our inflatable planetarium. Bookings to be made at Inspiration Station. 12.30pm-1.30pm: Space face-painting. 1.30pm-2pm: Hear some magical space stories with two of New Zealand's leading storytellers, Tony Hopkins and Moira Wairama. 2pm-3pm: Discovery Hour. Ever seen a shooting star? Come and find out about meteorites with Dr Hamish Campbell, and see the real thing! 2.30pm-3pm: Come and see constellations and learn about stars inside Te Papa's Starlab - our inflatable planetarium. Bookings to be made at Inspiration Station. 3pm-4pm: Space race games and prizes.

Tuesday 11 11am-12 noon: Weave a Pasifika placemat. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.

Wednesday 12 11am-12 noon: Make a moon mission board game. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.

Thursday 13 11am-12 noon: Make a dancing taniwha (monster). Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.

Saturday 15 11am-12 noon: Decorate an Italian badge. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2. 1pm-2pm: Dixie Dudes. See this lively jazz quartet. Signs of a Nation, Level 4. Free entry.

Sunday 16 11am-12 noon: Make a mini turtle brooch. PlaNet Pasifika, Level. Cost $2. 12 noon-1pm: Zappo the Magician presents the Magical Pirate Show. If you enjoy pirates and magic, then this is the show for you! Te Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Tuesday 18 11am-12 noon: Create a crazy pinecone creature. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.

Wednesday 19 11am-12 noon: Make a pïwaiwaka (fantail). Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.

Thursday 20 11am-12 noon: Make a summer sunflower. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2. 6.30pm-8pm: Cassini Space Probe lecture. Learn about the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and its mysterious moon Titan. The Huygens probe will land on Titan in January. Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.

Saturday 22 11am-12 noon: Make a holiday picture frame. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2. 12 noon-1pm: Robbie Duncan at Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation: 1940-today. Enjoy the art of New Zealand while listening to the relaxing music of Robbie Duncan. Toi Te Papa exhibition, Level 5. Free entry. 12 noon-5pm: X-Air presents the New Zealand Footbag Nationals. Featuring New Zealand champion Johnny Murphy (J-Money), who came seventh at the World Champs. Amphitheatre, Level 2. Free entry. (Wet weather venue The Marae, Level 4).

Sunday 23 11am-12 noon: Make a pop-up butterfly card. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2. 12 noon-1pm: Robbie Duncan at Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation: 1940-today. Enjoy the art of New Zealand while listening to the relaxing music of Robbie Duncan. Toi Te Papa exhibition, Level 5. Free entry. 12 noon-5pm: X-Air presents the New Zealand Footbag Nationals. Featuring New Zealand champion Johnny Murphy (J-Money), who came seventh at the World Champs. Amphitheatre, Level 2. Free entry. (Wet weather venue The Marae, Level 4).

Tuesday 25 11am-12 noon: Weave a tukutuku (latticework) card. Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.

Wednesday 26 11am-12 noon: Make a beaded bracelet. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.

Thursday 27 11am-12 noon: Make a tropical ukelele. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.

Saturday 29 11am-12 noon: Make a puppet theatre. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2. 12 noon-1pm & 2pm-3pm: Poi show and workshop. Learn the secrets of the long poi from Highly Flammable, a group of performers who know some amazing poi tricks. Please bring your own poi. Amphitheatre, Level 1. Free entry. (Wet weather venue The Marae, Level 4).

Sunday 30 11am-12 noon: Make a colourful korowai (cloak). Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2. 11am-3.30pm: Carnevale Italiano. Like the Carnival of Venice, characters in masquerade dress will perform randomly around Te Papa. The public are invited to join in by coming dressed to masquerade in a costume and mask. There will also be brief Commedia dell'Arte (Comedy of Art) performances. Wellington Foyer, Level 2, and elsewhere. Free entry. 1.30pm-2.30pm: Carnevale Italiano costume competition. Come dressed to masquerade in the tradition of the Carnival of Venice. The best costume will be judged by Letizia Green, Nina Cuccurullo, and Cav. Remiro Bresolin. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

SHORT-TERM EXHIBITIONS:

Space - A galaxy of adventure Land a space shuttle, fire a rocket, race to the Moon - there's heaps for kids to do in this fantastic exploration of Space. Adults $6.50, child (4-14 years) $5.00. Family concessions available.

Mäori Showbands The people, the sounds, the look, the sensational performing style - experience an extraordinary musical era in Mäori Showbands, Te Papa's first online exhibition. During the 1950s and 1960s a generation of multi-talented performers successfully took their unique blend of popular music and Mäori culture from New Zealand to the world. Visit www.maorishowbands.co.nz to explore the people and stories behind this phenomenon. Discover the enduring appeal of some of New Zealand's most magnetic entertainers.

Qui Tutto Bene: The Italians in New Zealand Te Papa and the Italian community combine to present a fresh and fascinating look at what it means to be Italian in New Zealand. Qui Tutto Bene is an exploration of the colourful history and wonderfully diverse influence of this small vibrant community. Until March 2007. Free entry.

Out on the Street: New Zealand in the 1970s Tutu te puehu Come and remember the protests, the personalities, the long hair, and eye-popping fashions of a decade when alternative voices rose to challenge the establishment. Until May 2005. Free entry.

Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation: 1940-today Showcasing over 100 of the nation's most significant artworks and taonga from Te Papa's collections. The first part of a major project, this exhibition includes works by Colin McCahon, Ralph Hotere, and Rita Angus. Free entry.

Shawls: the elegant drape Showcasing the rich textures and exquisite patterns of a selection of shawls from Te Papa's extensive collection. Until September 2005. Free entry.

Toss Woollaston: family and friends Looks at New Zealand painter Toss Woollaston's early years and his key relationships during that time. Free entry.

Te Awa Tupua: The Whanganui Iwi Exhibition In partnership with Te Papa, Whanganui iwi present stories and taonga from their unique Whanganui river culture, from Te Kähui Maunga (the mountain clan) to Tangaroa (the sea). The exhibition's central theme is contained in the whakatauakï (proverb), 'E rere kau mai te awa nui mai Te Kähui Maunga ki Tangaroa, ko au te awa ko te awa ko au.' (The great river flows from the mountain clan to Tangaroa, I am the river; the river is me). Until May 2006. Free entry.

Wild Design: A fresh look at nature Enjoy a visual feast of photographs, objects, and artworks that bring you up close to design in the natural world. Until late 2005. Free entry.

Ngä Toko Rima | Contemporary clayworks Out of the creation stories of fire, water, and earth, five leading Mäori artists create powerful new works in clay. Until September 2005. Free entry.

This service provides up to the minute information on our new exhibitions, events, and other news, as well as a monthly summary of what is currently on.

ENDS

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