Last updated June 2026
The New Zealand Rugby Museum is the world’s first museum dedicated exclusively to rugby union, located within the Te Manawa cultural complex at 326 Main Street in central Palmerston North. It houses one of the largest collections of rugby memorabilia anywhere, spanning New Zealand rugby from the 1870s to the present with jerseys, photographs, programmes, balls, trophies and artefacts from men’s, women’s, sevens and provincial levels.
Founded in 1969, the museum relocated to its current purpose-built space inside Te Manawa in 2011 ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Entry is ticketed and separate from the free general admission to the rest of the Te Manawa complex.
Practical Information
| Location | 326 Main Street, within Te Manawa, Palmerston North |
| Hours | 10 am to 4 pm daily (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and ANZAC Day until 1 pm) |
| Admission | Adults $15, Children (5-17) $6, Families $40; separate from Te Manawa free entry |
| Founded | 1969; relocated to Te Manawa in 2011 |
| Collection size | Extensive rugby memorabilia from 1870s to present, covering all formats |
| Highlights | All Blacks jerseys, Rugby World Cup artefacts, Black Ferns items, international touring jerseys |
About the New Zealand Rugby Museum
The New Zealand Rugby Museum opened its first exhibition in Palmerston North in April 1969 under the Rugby Museum Society of New Zealand. Over more than five decades the collection has grown into a comprehensive national archive of the sport, documenting the development of rugby union in New Zealand from its earliest organised matches through to modern professional and international eras.
In 2011 the museum moved into dedicated climate-controlled galleries inside the Te Manawa complex, sharing the building with the regional museum, art gallery and science centre. This relocation provided improved facilities and greater public access while preserving the museum’s independent identity and ticketing.
Visitors can explore rotating displays drawn from the permanent collection, interactive elements including a Have-a-Go skills area, and a reference library used by researchers and historians. The museum emphasises both elite-level achievements and the broader social and community history of the game across New Zealand.
Standout Exhibits and Collection
The collection features All Blacks jerseys from multiple eras and players, jerseys worn by international touring teams, Rugby World Cup memorabilia from successful New Zealand campaigns, and a dedicated section on women’s rugby including Black Ferns heritage items. Archival photographs, match programmes, tickets and equipment provide additional context across more than 150 years of the sport.
What Visitors Often Say
Rugby fans praise the depth of the All Blacks jersey archive and the coverage of women’s rugby history. Many note that the museum offers a focused, self-contained experience worth the separate admission fee even when visiting the rest of Te Manawa.
Practical advice includes allowing 1-2 hours, checking current rotating displays in advance, and combining the visit with Te Manawa’s free galleries for a longer cultural outing. The on-site cafe is frequently mentioned as a convenient stop.
Where to Learn More
New Zealand Rugby Museum: official site with current hours, admission prices, exhibits and group booking details.
Te Manawa: information on the wider cultural complex and combined visit options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the New Zealand Rugby Museum located?
At 326 Main Street inside the Te Manawa complex in central Palmerston North.
Is entry to the Rugby Museum free?
No, it has separate ticketed admission from the free general entry to Te Manawa.
What are the current opening hours?
10 am to 4 pm daily, with closures on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and ANZAC Day until 1 pm.
When was the museum founded?
The Rugby Museum Society was formed in 1969 with the first exhibition opening in April that year; it moved to Te Manawa in 2011.
What does the collection include?
Rugby memorabilia from the 1870s onwards, including jerseys, photographs, programmes and artefacts from men’s, women’s, sevens and provincial rugby.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours in the Rugby Museum; longer if combining with Te Manawa’s other free galleries.
Are there interactive elements?
Yes, including a Have-a-Go skills area for visitors.
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