Free exhibition at Central City Library | Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero
15 April – 29 August 2026
Free exhibition at Central City Library | Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero
15 April – 29 August 2026
Bon Jovi concert, Western Springs, 1989. Photograph by Stuart Page. Record ID: 273-PAG035-05.
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.
Live music is about more than sound – it’s about the shared atmosphere.
During your visit you can:
Come solo or with someone who shared those nights with you, and meet others who remember them too!
Free entry. Allow 30–60 minutes to experience the exhibition fully.
Suitable for adults, teens, researchers and music enthusiasts across genres.
Heritage Gallery, Level 2, Central City Library | Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero
44–46 Lorne Street, Auckland
15 April – 29 August 2026.
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.
Concert ticket for Bob Marley and the Wailers, Western Springs, 1979. Record ID: Eph–Item00052.
Enjoy a programme of free talks, workshops and live music events alongside the exhibition.
These sessions dive into:
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.
Have you ever been to a DJ set in a library? Well, here’s your chance to boogie among the books!
Join exhibition curators Marilyn Portman and Zoë Colling for a guided tour and insider stories behind the Encore! exhibition.
Hear from Chlöe Swarbrick and other leading voices in music and culture as they explore the past, present and future of Auckland’s live music venues.
Experience live music at Central City Library throughout Music Month and beyond.
Enjoy a live performance from a rising Auckland ensemble known for their passionate, finely tuned performances.
Come and listen to librarians spinning some records in the library!
Be moved by avid vocalist and instrumentalist Ellla Jean, joined by Minho Choi (drums), Imogen Pearce (bass) and Cedric Charles (piano).
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.
See real items in exhibition cases from Auckland’s most iconic venues like:
You’ll discover how venues changed names and identities over time, and how music scenes evolved with them.
This exhibition showcases carefully preserved items from Auckland Libraries’ music and heritage collections, including:
These original materials offer an authentic record of Auckland’s music history, preserved so it can be understood, researched and enjoyed today.
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.
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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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.
Explore Auckland's music heritage beyond the exhibition.