Kiwi Science Centre Named World’s Best At The ‘Oscars’ Of Museums

Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) has taken home the top honour at the 2025 Museums + Heritage Awards in London, with its Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre crowned International Exhibition of the Year.

Beating out global contenders such as the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo and Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, Te Puawānanga was recognised for its innovative integration of science and Mātauranga Māori. The annual Museums + Heritage Awards, often referred to as the "Oscars of the museum world", celebrate excellence across the cultural and heritage sector internationally.

From L to R, Head of Exhibitions Simon Gould and Ella Al-Shamahi at the Museum Heritage Awards 2025/Photo: Supplied

The award comes as Te Puawānanga marks its first anniversary, having welcomed over 248,000 visitors and more than 23,000 school students since opening in May 2024. The exhibition’s design and content were guided by a network of educators, scientists, technologists, and Mātauranga Māori experts, aimed at making science more inclusive and engaging for young New Zealanders.

Te Puawānanga is MOTAT’s largest investment in visitor experience in more than a decade. Independent evaluations have highlighted its success in drawing visitors to the museum and delivering valuable learning outcomes across age groups. The exhibition’s unique blend of Māori and Western worldviews has been credited with enhancing its cultural resonance and educational impact.

Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre/Photo: Supplied

This international accolade adds to a growing list of recognitions for Te Puawānanga, including wins at New Zealand’s Best Design Awards and the 2024/2025 Resene Total Colour Awards.