Media statement – Te Papa remains closed after sprinkler activation

Te Papa will be closed on Friday 19 August, after a sprinkler activation on Wednesday night.

Sprinklers activated in Te Papa’s ground floor and first floor foyers for a short period around 8pm on Wednesday 17 August.

There was no fire, and no one was harmed in the incident. Collection stores and exhibition areas were not affected by the water.

Te Papa has been closed today, and a team has been on site assessing the situation, testing the museum’s systems, and looking into what occurred.

To enable that process to continue, Te Papa will remain closed on Friday 19 August.

Te Papa spokesperson Kate Camp said the museum regretted the inconvenience to visitors.

“We understand it’s a real pain for those who planned a trip to Te Papa, and we’re sorry for the inconvenience,” Ms Camp says.

“Te Papa is taking a precautionary approach – the safety of people and our collections is paramount.”

“With our visitors, or staff and our collections we have a very precious cargo here.”

“We need to be completely satisfied that everything is as it should be before we open our doors.”

Te Papa is a popular function venue and the museum was working with function clients to keep them informed, and, where possible, help them find alternative venues.

“People have been fantastic, they’ve been very understanding and just wishing us all the best.”

“We really appreciate everyone’s patience as we try to get Te Papa back up and running as quickly as possible,” Ms Camp says.

Ms Camp recommended that people check Te Papa’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates.

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