MOTAT opened in 1964 and since then has been explored and enjoyed by millions of local, national and international visitors. MOTAT is an interactive museum with a focus on creating a fun, visually stimulating environment for its visitors.
The museum is built on a site that once pumped water drawn from Western Springs Lake to early Auckland homes and businesses. The Pumphouse, with its magnificent Beam Engine has had extensive conservation to ensure its significance in Auckland's history is preserved.
MOTAT has over 300,000 items in its collection. The Museum is organised into sections that work on various areas of the collection. Each section has a manager who works with the many dedicated volunteers in that section, and liaises with MOTAT staff to ensure the continuing development of the museum.
We're looking forward to an exciting future as MOTAT continues to develop into a place where both domestic and international visitors can explore New Zealand's innovative past through visually stimulating, interactive exhibitions.
