Canterbury Museum sets new attendance record

Canterbury Museum sets new annual attendance record

Canterbury Museum saw a total of 637,174 visitors through its doors in 2008, the first time the Museum has exceeded 600,000 visitors in a calendar year. The 637,174 figure represents an increase of 49,193 (+8.4%) visitors over the 2007 calendar year figure of 587,981. During the month of December 52,583 people visited the Museum, a 10% increase on the December 2007 figure.

Canterbury Museum Director Anthony Wright said popular special exhibitions such as Da Vinci Machines, which closed at the end of October, and the current NZ Fossils: Dead Precious! exhibition have played a big part in achieving the record numbers. Fred & Myrtle’s Paua Shell House at Canterbury Museum also continues to attract a large number of locals, many of whom are making return visits with out of town friends and family.

Mr Wright said it was fantastic to see Cantabrians rediscovering the Museum and that he hoped they would continue to visit regularly to make the most of the exciting programme of exhibitions and public events scheduled for 2009.

General admission to Canterbury Museum is free; donations are appreciated. Canterbury Museum is located on Rolleston Avenue, in the Cultural Precinct, next to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and opposite The Arts Centre on Worcester Boulevard.

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