Auckland Museum is closing the doors on an exhibition that’s been running for almost five decades, to make way for a new World War I display. The Auckland 1866 gallery (known as Centennial Street) shows business and residential premises as they might have appeared in the rapidly growing seaport town of Auckland in the late nineteenth century.

The exhibition will close on September 28, after being on display for 48 years.

The closure will allow the museum to begin restoration work on the East Gallery, and to build a new WWI commemorative centre.

The museum will have a farewell weekend for the exhibition at the end of the month.

I went to the Auckland Museum today for one final wander though this little town that fascinated me throughout my childhood and will be missed by many that have grown up with it being a special part of their lives.

Photos by Mark Wallbank