Lighting up the night sky and exploring vehicle technology this winter.
Kick off the Matariki festivities in radiant style with the museum’s annual illumination event, Night Lights at MOTAT, running for three nights only. Visitors will be awed by the array of displays and artworks inspired by objects in the museum’s collection.
The engaging interpretations, created by local artists, see transport and technology artefacts represented in a completely new light. These are complemented by activations such as projection mapping, light-themed activities, illuminated heritage buildings and vintage trams festooned with fairy lights. The event will feature exciting new installations from husband and wife duo Warren and Virginia Warbrick of Toi Warbrick as well as contemporary New Zealand artist, Larisse Hall, amongst others.
Apart from trying their hand at illuminated poi and hula hooping, guests will get to enjoy UV body painting displays and a glowing shadow capture wall. There’ll also be a hands
-on craft activity introducing youngsters to the Pleiades constellation and encouraging them to create their own paper lantern constellation to take home. Live performances by the SaintzUp Performing Arts Trust and delicious Maori-inspired dishes from the Bite Me food truck add to the family fun.
Accelerate: Driving New Zealand. Opening: 23 June
The museum goes full throttle with the launch of its new vehicle technology exhibition, Accelerate: Driving New Zealand. This interactive exhibition explores technology that’s revved up, fully charged and challenging the status quo.
Whether they are navigating the glacial landscape of Antarctica, competing on Formula One race tracks around the globe or cruising the suburban streets of Auckland, Kiwis have come a long way with their vehicles and have enjoyed many adventures along the way. From building powerful fibreglass race cars in a small factory in Rotorua; thwarting government tariffs by manufacturing ‘homegrown’ cars in Otahuhu; to modifying souped-up performance cars, creating a solar-powered vehicle or even 3D printing an electric car kit, Kiwis are vehicle technology visionaries.
Accelerate delves into the stories and technology behind vehicles, and how they have impacted on our lives and society. It examines advances in technology from the petrol engine through to electric vehicles and looks at ways that car technology is becoming more sustainable. These machines have given our isolated nation the freedom to dream, to conquer new frontiers and to push the boundaries of convention. Where will they take us next? Discover the stories, explore the possibilities and join the conversation.
Entry to Accelerate is included in the MOTAT general admission fees. Night Lights tickets, priced between $5 and $10, are available through Eventbrite and on the night. Find out more at www.motat.org.nz or www.facebook.com/MOTATNZ