Opening next month is an exhibition that will provide scope for children to explore through play.
Nyree Dawn Porter: from local stage to global stardom looks at the story of Nyree's journey from Napier to fame in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Throughout her youth in Hawke's Bay, Nyree (or Ngaire as she was known then) was a passionate dancer and ballet teacher, and we'll have an area where children can try on different costumes and perform "on stage" in one of the galleries.
We hope children will love the opportunity to dress up and dance in the museum.
Another way we engage children is through our education programmes.
Our two educators, Gaynor Comley and Jenny Wake, utilise the collection, galleries and expertise within the museum to create unique learning experiences for students.
Lessons are renewed as exhibitions change within the museum and as teachers request specific themes to support the curriculum areas they are currently teaching.
While there are always some staple favourites on offer we also have new programmes each term.
Our current art programme utilises exhibitions to provide knowledge and inspiration for budding artists and to bring out everyone's creativity.
The Cubism programme, for example, takes students through the structure and form of this art style, with each child creating his or her own piece of cubist art.
And Why Kowhaiwhai? looks at the symbolism, design and significance of kowhaiwhai designs.
This term (and for two days only) the popular Little Dog Barking Theatre Company has returned to the Century Theatre - this time with Paper Shaper.
This performance, based on puppetry, explores a universe made from paper, with educator-led workshops to support the experience.
Always really popular, the workshops and shows were quickly booked out and this high demand has led to an additional show being added early next month.
Learning experiences outside the classroom (LEOTC) help enrich a child's education.
It's one thing to learn about, for instance, Ngati Kahungunu musical talents and skills from a book or online - it's another thing entirely to come into a gallery full of rich vibrant objects, posters, music and video and walk through the experience.
However children enter the museum, whether on a school trip or with family and friends, we hope there'll be something here to engage and inspire them.
Museums are full of fascinating things - amazing stories, quirky histories, beautiful objects and art - and we'd love to share ours with your children and mokopuna.
* Pecha Kucha - come and hear about the hopes, dreams, passions and obsessions of Hawke's Bay locals, including two staff from MTG. Tuesday, Century Theatre, 6pm. $7 (cash only) door sales
* New Zealand International Film Festival, September 7-24, Century Theatre. Tickets available from Wednesday at MTG. Adults $16, concession $14 and children $11. Opening night Thursday, Sept 7, tickets $20 including a complimentary drink and nibbles.
* Kids Drop-in-zone, open every Saturday and Sunday
* Laura Vodanovich is the director of the Museum Theatre Gallery (MTG) Hawke's Bay.
