Wellington Museum, Bond Store Building, Wellington

Wellington Museum is situated within the historic Bond Store building along Jervois Quay on the scenic waterfront of Wellington Harbour. Commissioned in 1890 by the Wellington Harbour Board, the Bond Store replaced older wooden structures from the 1860s. The building, designed by Frederick de Jersey Clere in the elegant French Second Empire style, was completed in 1892, showcasing architectural finesse and historical significance. The Bond Store has been designated a "Category 1" historic place by Heritage New Zealand due to its significant historical or cultural value.

The transformation of this remarkable structure into a museum was finalized in 1999, marking a new chapter in its storied existence. Initially established in 1972 as the Wellington Maritime Museum by the Wellington Harbour Board, the institution was handed over to the Wellington City Council in 1989. This transition not only expanded its scope to encompass the social history of the Wellington region but also continued to celebrate the area's significant maritime past. To this day, an entire floor is devoted to maritime history and culture, reflecting Wellington's deep connection with the sea.

Wellington Museum spans four floors, each narrating different facets of Wellington's history—from its maritime roots and the early interactions between Māori and European settlers, to the region's development over the 150 years since Wellington became the capital of New Zealand. The museum's dynamic exhibitions and interactive displays, including a giant cinema screen that spans the ground to the second floor, bring to life the stories and evolution of the city.

The museum features three distinct theatre areas. One utilizes a pepper's ghost to recount Māori legends, another serves as a memorial to the tragic sinking of the Wahine ferry in Wellington Harbour, and the third, known as the Wellington Time Machine, offers a unique journey through the city's past, located on the top floor. In late 2015, a new exhibition space named The Attic was unveiled following extensive refurbishment and restoration, adding another dimension to the museum's rich offering.