Antarctica comes to New Zealand’s National Museum

Audiences in Wellington, New Zealand were given the chance to step inside Scott’s Discovery hut when Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa hosted the Trust’s VR experience in July.

Among those to try it was Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Hon. Paul Goldsmith. After his virtual visit, Minister Goldsmith praised the experience for its innovative use of technology to connect New Zealanders with Antarctica’s remarkable cultural heritage saying,

“Very few New Zealanders get a chance to actually get down to the huts, which are an important part of our history and humanity’s history. To be able to look around and explore is extraordinary.”

Over the course of a week, the Trust’s Education team enabled over 500 people to experience the sights and sounds of the heroic era.

Te Papa Chief Executive Courtney Johnston said, “This is an incredible experience that highlights our heritage and environment, and Te Papa is delighted to partner with Antarctic Heritage Trust to bring it to Wellington.”

The Trust thanks Inspiring Explorers™ Fund donors, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage Regeneration Fund, StaplesVR, and Antarctica New Zealand for their support of this programme.