Outsiders to pay extra so Aucklanders can get in free

Vanda Vitali wants Aucklanders to see the improvements to the museum. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Aucklanders will be able to visit the Auckland Museum for free from December 4 until the end of February ... but the so-called voluntary admission fee will be doubled to $10 for people from outside the region.

The change is to mark the 80th anniversary of the the building, which has also been given new exterior lighting to mark the occasion.

Museum director Dr Vanda Vitali says the free entry will encourage Aucklanders to come and see the improvements to the museum and participate in a range of summer exhibitions and programmes.

It is expected free entry will end on February 28.

Entry fees will be charged for such special exhibitions as Wonderland: The Magic of the Rose.

To be allowed in free, Aucklanders - who contribute to the museum through their rates - will need to provide proof that they live in the city.

This can be done with items such as a rates bill, library card or a piece of addressed mail, and a form of picture identification, such as a driver's licence.

"We hope to see a whole generation of new visitors join us at the museum this summer," Dr Vitali said.

"Between a free museum and the gorgeous Domain around us, what could be a better day for Aucklanders?"