Four long years of bloody conflict came to an end in 1918, but not before the First World War had claimed the lives of millions of soldiers and civilians.
In the final year of WW100 commemorations, the Auckland Museum Anzac Day programme provides space to reflect on the sacrifices of war and consider the impacts of past and present conflicts on our society and collective psyche.
From uplifting to music to poetry and spoken word, the programme will allow visitors to find emotional touch points as they explore the Museum's commemorative spaces.
Entry to the Museum is free to everyone on Anzac Day. The Museum will open immediately following the Dawn Service.
Dawn Service
6am, Court of Honour
Civic Service
11am, Court of Honour
Kentoris: The Dawn
Approx 6.40am, directly following the Dawn Service WWI Sanctuary, Level 2
As the sun rises on Anzac Day, join Kentoris, the premier choir from Saint Kentigern College, as they welcome the dawn in the evocative surroundings of the WWI Sanctuary.
After the Anzac Day services, visit the commemorative galleries for your own personal reflections and to discover more about New Zealand’s history and involvement in WWI and WWII.
Discover your connection
6.45am – 5pm, Pou Maumahara Memorial Discovery Centre, Level 2
Discover more about New Zealand service men and women in the newly restored heritage gallery. The friendly staff can help you research your family members’ service records.
Pou Kanohi New Zealand at War
6.45am - 5pm, Level 2
Visit this new gallery, dedicated to educating young people about the First World War. Rich with collections, the gallery shares New Zealanders’ experiences of WWI from multiple perspectives through accessible and interactive experiences.
Library War Collections Displays
6.45am – 5pm, Library, Level 2
Discover WWI stories through photographs, diaries, letters, and ephemera.
WWI and WWII Tours
7.15am, 8.15am, 9.15am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm - meet at the big red arrow outside Pou Kahoni New Zealand at War, Level 2 to join the Museum's experienced guides and explore the stories of both World Wars.
Music for a Sacred Space – Auckland Youth Choir
8.30am, WWI Sanctuary
On this day of remembrance, Auckland Youth Choir perform a selection of poignant pieces under the musical direction of Lachlan Craig and Grace Francis as we contemplate what Anzac Day means to us.
Music for Reflection – presented by APOPS
12pm, directly following the Civic Service, WWI Sanctuary
Chamber orchestras from APOPS (Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Partnership Schools Programme) Schools come together to fill the Sanctuary with music of reflection and remembrance.
Anzac Badge-making
6.45am– 11am, Weird & Wonderful
Bring the kids along to colour and create their own ready-to-wear badge.
Lest We Forget Poetry Competition Finalists
WWII Hall of Memories
Listen to the finalists reading their winning entries from the Museum's annual Lest We Forget Poetry Competition. Finalists were asked to create a response in poetry or prose to reflect on the seemingly endless conflict of WWI.
Dome Tours
2pm – 4pm, meet in Atrium by lifts 1 and 2
Join the informative guides for a tour of the Events Centre on Level 3 with its stunning 360° views.
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