Honouring service. Inspiring generations
The Exhibition Hall will deliver enduring cultural, educational, and economic benefits for Christchurch and New Zealand. By providing a permanent home for the C-130 Hercules and P-3 Orion, it will safeguard nationally significant taonga while creating a unique, immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
A place to learn, remember and explore
The new Exhibition Hall will:
- Expand the Museum’s free education programmes for tamariki and rangatahi, inspiring curiosity in history, science, engineering, and technology
- Provide versatile spaces for community and corporate events, commemorations, and cultural gatherings
- Strengthen Christchurch as a cultural and heritage destination, attracting more visitors and supporting local tourism and business activity
- Deliver measurable economic impact, with projections estimating $6–8 million in annual benefit for the region through increased visitation, tourism spend, and events
- Offer a national space for remembrance, reflection, and exploration, connecting veterans, families, and communities with the human stories behind the aircraft
- Provide a once-in-the-world experience, the only place where an RNZAF Hercules and Orion can be seen together, creating a powerful link to New Zealand’s aviation and defence history
Through these initiatives, the Exhibition Hall will preserve New Zealand’s aviation heritage while fostering pride, understanding, and inspiration for generations to come.
New Zealand has a rich and proud history of military aviation from the early days of flight right through to the present day. Preserving this history is not only meaningful for those who were directly involved but for all New Zealanders who, through education and awareness, can build upon their own sense of pride and identity. The long-term preservation and display of the iconic RNZAF P3 Orion and C-130H Hercules aircraft not only provides the next exciting phase for the museum but also presents a fantastic learning opportunity for all kiwi’s and I’m particularly proud to be part of the Team that will make this a reality.
More to explore
