The Charlotte Museum
About This Museum
Tucked away on a quiet street in Freemans Bay, The Charlotte Museum feels like a wonderful secret you've just stumbled upon. It's New Zealand's only museum dedicated to preserving and sharing LGBTQIA+ history, which gives every photograph and personal story on display a powerful sense of intimacy and importance. You don't just walk through exhibits here; you get pulled into the lives and loves of a community that has fought so hard to be seen. It’s a surprisingly moving experience that feels both deeply local and universally human.
Collection Highlights
I was really struck by the 'Heroes' display, which profiles key figures from Aotearoa's queer history—their faces and stories are unforgettable. They also have this incredible collection of protest signs from the 1980s Homosexual Law Reform movement, each one feeling like it still carries the energy of that pivotal time.
Visitor Information
It's in a charming old villa at 1A Howe Street, so it feels more like visiting a thoughtful friend's home than a formal institution. Definitely check their website for open days as they have limited hours, but it's absolutely worth planning your visit around.
Architecture & Building
The museum is housed in a lovely, classic New Zealand villa, all white weatherboard with a corrugated iron roof—it’s unassuming and charmingly domestic from the outside.
Contact & Location
Address: 1A, Howe Street, Newton, Freemans Bay, Waitematā, Auckland, 1002, New Zealand / Aotearoa
Phone: +64 22 850 1013
Website: Visit Website
