WOW - World of WearableArt

World of WearableArt – Up Close
12 December 2020 – 14 February 2021

An exhibition at Te Papa

Experience World of WearableArt like never before.

A theatrical journey and immersive exhibition that invites you to get up close to the extraordinary garments and explore limitless creativity.

Please Note:

This exhibition will now go ahead whether New Zealand is at Covid-19 Alert Level 2 or Level 1. We are committed to running a safe and enjoyable event for you and your family and have designed the exhibition to allow plenty of room for social distancing between groups. If the Alert Level shifts to 3 or 4, the exhibition will close and tickets will be refunded.

About World of WearableArt – Up Close 

Featuring over 35 award-winning garments, created by designers from New Zealand and around the world, World of WearableArt – Up Close | Ao KākahuToi – Kia Tata is an exhibition at Te Papa in Wellington showcasing some of the most breath-taking creations that we’ve seen in the World of WearableArt Awards Competition.

Discover the jaw-dropping detail and unconventional creativity of wearable art. From 500 abandoned tents transformed into avant-garde works of art, to a wearable Axminster carpet inspired by Frida Kahlo, to a cathedral made from more than 2300 individually cut pieces of laser etched felt, learn about the unique stories behind the designs and be inspired as something WOW this way comes …

For a strictly limited season only!

Where

Level 4, Te Papa

View map location

For more information on the location and to plan your visit, head to Te Papa’s website

When

The exhibition will run from Saturday 12 December 2020 – Sunday 14 February 2021

Te Papa is open every day 10.00am—6.00pm

Tickets & Prices

We recommend allowing 60 minutes for your visit to the exhibition.

Plan Your Visit

We are excited to bring this specially crafted exhibition to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. We hope that the people of Wellington and visitors from around New Zealand will enjoy this unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the World of WearableArt and get up close to these extraordinary works of art! 

Start planning your trip and make the most of your #wowupclose experience at WellingtonNZ.com

WOW Up Close is made possible by Core Partner:

Accessibility (Te Papa):

• Wheelchair accessible
• Immersive digital and sound experiences
• Variable lighting levels
• Accessible toilets
• No food, drink, or double buggies

Wellington accommodation:

Looking for somewhere to stay in Wellington? Check out what’s on offer from our accommodation partners: InterContinental Wellington and QT Wellington. These two incredible properties are not only conveniently located, allowing you to make the most of your time in Wellington, they also have onsite restaurants and facilities to make your stay one to remember.

InterContinental Wellington

Adjacent to Wellington’s waterfront, InterContinental Wellington is a global five-star hotel located in the heart of Wellington city. It is the seamless and personal service that makes InterContinental Wellington the best luxury in Wellington.

QT Wellington

Fall down the rabbit hole into an explosion of colour and texture at Wellington’s design-driven Hotel, QT Wellington. The walls host a curated collection of high & low-brow art sitting in a stunning harbourside location & engulfed by vines of vivid ivy. Art, design, curiosities and a dash of the absurd.

Additional Events

A series of exciting events hosted by Te Papa are available to purchase as part of your exhibition entry and are a great way to enhance your experience!

World of WearableArt – Up Close: Opening Preview Party

Be the first to see our latest exhibition World of WearableArt – Up Close. Get an up-close look of garments, enjoy live music, WOW performative elements including the opportunity to get up close to some WOW garments worn on the moving body, exhibition entry, themed food stations and a drink token which are all included in your ticket. Cash bar available. Limited tickets, so be in quick.

Please note: Due to alcohol being served this is an 18-years + event

When: Rescheduled date and time coming soon

Te Papa High Teas

Prepare for your theatrical journey with a Te Papa High Tea experience. A charming selection of savoury and sweet treats await you in the Te Papa Espresso Café. Ticket includes exhibition entry.

When:Rescheduled date and time coming soon

Where: Te Papa Espresso Cafe, level 4

Te Papa Late Nights

Join us for a Late Night of up-close wearable art, after hours. Ticket price includes entry to the exhibition, live music, one drink on arrival and all night access to our canape food stations.

Please note: Due to alcohol being served this is an 18-years + event

Te Papa presents: Drag, Dinner and Art

A Night to Remember. Enjoy a drink and canapes on arrival, WOW performative elements including the opportunity to get up close to some WOW garments worn on the moving body, exhibition entry to World of WearableArt Up Close, fine dining and entertainment by your favourite Wellington Drag Queens.

We please ask, where possible, to book your tickets for your group in one transaction. We will of course try to be as flexible as possible, but we cannot guarantee merging of tables once tickets are sold. Limited tickets so be quick.

Please note: Due to alcohol being served this is an 18-years + event

When:Rescheduled date and time coming soon

Where: Te Papa, Wellington Foyer, Level 2