Nau mai ki Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui
Step through a window to a wider world

Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is Wellington’s Central Library - strengthened, reimagined, and brought to life in new ways. This is a place where everyone can come to learn, create, discover, connect, and belong.

Visit us

What's on this opening weekend 14-15 March

Explore

Ngā Paiaka Bleachers Saturday & Sunday

Live jazz from Wellington artists, from big band to brass and contemporary sounds.

Explore

Ngā Pou Ruahine

Experience Earth Mothers by Darcy Nicholas, celebrating wāhine and our connection to the land.

Explore

Te Huarewa Toi Exhibition Space

Create and learn about our native flora with Dr Gabby O'Connor, Rau Whārangi artist

Check when we’re open

Ngā hāora tuwhera
Opening Hours

Mon9:00am - 7:00pm

Tue9:00am - 7:00pm

Wed9:00am - 7:00pm

Thu9:00am - 7:00pm

Fri9:00am - 7:00pm

Sat9:30am - 5:00pm

Sun9:30am - 5:00pm

Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is open every day. Whether it’s a quick visit or an all day stay, we’d love to welcome you.

*Hours for Opening Weekend are 10am to 5pm.

Discover what’s inside

Tūhura
Explore

Imagine a place where books share space with makers’ workshops, where tamariki can play and learn, and where people meet and kōrero. Come explore our spaces.

Explore

Discover, create, connect, belong.

What’s happening today

I tēnei rā
What’s on

Ngā pātai auau
Frequently asked questions

Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is open from 9am to 7pm on weekdays and from 9.30am to 5pm on weekends

Yes. Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui has been designed to be accessible for everyone.
Features include:
- Step-free entrances with wide automatic doors
- Lift access to all public levels
- Accessible toilets on every level
- Te Whaitua Mārū | Low Sensory Space
- A WiFi-based hearing assistance system
- Accessible car parks in the basement
If you have specific access needs, please speak with the team at a Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desk.

Yes. Central Ground Café is located on the ground level and is open 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturday to Sunday.

Yes. Free WellyWiFi is available throughout Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui.

To connect:

- Select WellyWiFi from your device’s available networks

- Accept the terms and conditions

If you need help getting connected, ask at a Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desk.

Any library vacancies or vacancies for any other positions at Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui are listed on the Wellington City Council Careers page: https://careers.wellington.govt.nz/search.

65 Victoria Street, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand.

Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is Wellington’s reimagined central library. The name means 'a window to the wider world'. It is a strengthened and renewed civic space where cultures connect, stories are shared, ideas flourish, and everyone belongs. Here you can read, create, explore heritage, gather as a community... or simply pause in the heart of the city. You can view more at About Us.

There is no dedicated public parking attached to Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui.

Accessible car parks are available in the basement (via managed access).

Public parking buildings and on-street parking are available nearby.

Visit Plan Your Visit for more information.