Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum introduces The Amp, a new podcast amplifying the incredible stories from the Museum’s collections, mahi, and our place in the Pacific.
Auckland Museum is proud to announce the launch of its podcast series, The Amp, designed to take listeners on an immersive journey behind the scenes of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant cultural institutions. Available now, The Amp explores the untold stories, secrets, and surprises behind the museum’s exhibitions, collections, and the dedicated work that goes into preserving our shared history.
In each episode, listeners will dive into Auckland and Aotearoa’s history, learning about the lesser-known aspects of Museum exhibitions, the meticulous preservation of artefacts, and the fascinating discoveries made along the way. Interviews with experts, artists, and historians offer unique insights into how history is documented, displayed, and protected for future generations.
David Reeves, Tumu Whakarae Chief Executive, Auckland Museum, says The Amp will not only share stories of our history, but the ongoing work that shapes how we understand and preserve our heritage today. He says, “This podcast is about process of being a contemporary museum as well as the historical content we care for.”
“With The Amp, we’re excited to take our audience on a new kind of journey – one that goes beyond our walls and takes the incredible work happening here directly to listeners, wherever they are. It’s an opportunity for people to discover the hidden histories that make Auckland Museum such a unique place, whether they are tuning in from just around the corner or halfway across the world,” says Reeves.
“This new podcast series is part of Auckland Museum’s deliberate move to increase the range of channels we use to connect audiences with collections and stories.”
The Amp has launched with a lineup of three episodes:
Episode 1: Soldier, Curator, Monuments Man Discover the incredible life of Sir Gilbert Archey, Auckland Museum’s longtime director and the sole “Monuments Man” of Southeast Asia during World War II. As a protector of Aotearoa’s taonga and South-East Asia’s cultural heritage, Archey’s legacy endures today through his contributions to the preservation of Māori and Pasifika art.
Episode 2: A Night at the Orange Take a trip back in time to the vibrant Orange Ballroom in 1950s Auckland, a bustling hotspot for Māori and Pasifika communities. This episode highlights the iconic Bill Sevesi, whose music shaped an era of change and connection in the city.
Episode 3: Relics: Brick by Brick Get a behind-the-scenes look at RELICS: A New World Rises, the LEGO blockbuster exhibition created by LEGO Masters Australia winners Alex Towler and Jackson Harvey. Discover the art and imagination that brought this futuristic world to life, where LEGO Minifigures inhabit the ruins of human civilisation.
Following the initial launch, new episodes will be released monthly.
The Amp is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For more information, visit aucklandmuseum.com/discover/podcast
