Encore!

Free exhibition at Central City Library | Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero

15 April – 29 August 2026 

Experience the feeling of being there.

A live performance can stay with us for decades. The lights dim, the crowd leans forward – the first chord lands. For a few hours, strangers become a community.

Encore! explores how live music has shaped central Tāmaki Makaurau and the connections formed between musicians, reviewers and audiences across generations. 

Visit the exhibition to trace the stories behind iconic venues, unforgettable performances and the people who were there. Over 100 items from Auckland Libraries' Heritage Collections feature in the exhibition.

Step into the atmosphere of past gigs

Live music is about more than sound – it’s about the shared atmosphere.

During your visit you can:

• Listen to a curated soundtrack featuring musicians who performed at featured venues
• View archival photographs and an exclusive slideshow tracing Auckland’s music scenes
• Add your own live music memories to an interactive map
• And more!

Come solo or with someone who shared those nights with you, and meet others who remember them too!

Plan your visit

Free entry. Allow 30–60 minutes to experience the exhibition fully.

Suitable for adults, teens, researchers and music enthusiasts across genres.

Location

Heritage Gallery, Level 2, Central City Library | Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero

44–46 Lorne Street, Auckland

Opening hours

15 April – 29 August 2026.

• Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm
• Saturday, 10am – 5pm
• Closed Sundays and public holidays

Parking and public transport

Central City Library has three Mobility parking spaces on Rutland Street right next to the library building. 

For more information about parking and public transport, we recommend the Auckland Transport website. Go to AT's Auckland Central parking page or use the Journey Planner to find a bus or train route.

Events and conversations

Enjoy a programme of free talks, workshops and live music events alongside the exhibition.

These sessions dive into:

• The evolution of Auckland’s music scenes
• The role of promoters, reviewers and independent labels
• Personal reflections from musicians and historians

Opening act

Saturday 18 April

Spend the day enjoying DJs, a panel talk, vinyl giveaways and more! Browse events below to plan your day at Central City Library.

Music in the library

Experience live music at Central City Library throughout Music Month and beyond.

Explore Auckland’s live music history

Revisit the venues that defined the city’s sound – from jazz in the 1940s to punk gigs in the 1980s, sold-out concerts at Western Springs in the 2000s and intimate open mic nights at Temple Bar.

Featured music venues

See real items in exhibition cases from Auckland’s most iconic venues like:

• Auckland Town Hall
• The Powerstation and Galaxy
• Granpa's
• Crystal Palace
• Temple Bar, Galatos and Wine Cellar
• Outdoor stages at Western Springs Stadium, Auckland Domain and Albert Park
• And more!

You’ll discover how venues changed names and identities over time, and how music scenes evolved with them.

Original material from our Heritage Collections

This exhibition showcases carefully preserved items from Auckland Libraries’ music and heritage collections, including:

• Sheet music and manuscripts
• LPs, 45s, cassettes and CDs
• Concert tickets, posters and flyers
• Music magazines such as Jukebox, Te Ao Hou and Philharmonia News
• Archival photographs from Rykenberg Studios and Bruce Jarvis

These original materials offer an authentic record of Auckland’s music history, preserved so it can be understood, researched and enjoyed today.

Research enquiries welcome

Speak to a member of staff or submit an enquiry online for help with your research. You can also make an appointment to view material or listen to sound recordings in the Reading Room.

Preserving Auckland’s music heritage

Auckland Libraries collects and cares for sound recordings, ephemera, manuscripts and printed works relating to music in Tāmaki Makaurau.

By preserving these materials, we ensure that future generations can understand not only what the music sounded like, but what it meant to be there.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee?

No. The exhibition and associated events are free.

Do I need to book?

No booking is required for the exhibition. Some events may require registration.

Is this suitable for families?

Yes. The exhibition includes interactive elements and historical material suitable for teens and adults.

Can I donate music-related material?

Yes. Explore how to donate to heritage collections and complete the form to get in touch.

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Explore Auckland's music heritage beyond the exhibition.