Bugs at the museum

The bugs are back! Canterbury Museum’s much-loved insect drawers, which have fascinated and entertained children for decades, will be back on display in the Bugs at the Museum exhibition.

Slide open the glass-topped drawers of curiosity and immerse yourself once again in the tiny and beguiling world of insects. The drawers, which contain hundreds of insect specimens from the Museum collection, were a popular attraction in the Discovery gallery for many years.

The free pop-up exhibition also features beautiful photographs taken using a special lens that offers an extreme close-up of insect specimens in all their colourful, prickly and bug-eyed glory.

Location: Canterbury Museum at CoCA' is open at 66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch

See these other Canterbury Museum bug related events:

Insect curator talks

18 and 25 January, 11am: Discover the secret world of backyard insects and the fascinating life of flies with these family friendly talks from Canterbury Museum's bug experts.

Bring your kids to hear about all the delightful creatures that might dwell in your backyard, like a Barbie pink Katydid and sand scarabs, with a special talk by Canterbury Museum Associate Curator Natural History Johnathan Ridden.

Explore the fascinating world of 'Funky flies' in a talk by Canterbury Museum Curator Natural History Rebecca Le Grice

Capacity of 40 people for each session, which will be held in the Ō Papa Gallery at Canterbury Museum at CoCA.

Stamp a bug

17 and 24 January, 11am: Use special, custom-made stamps to create bug art, learn about insect body parts and stamp your own personalised bug to take home.

Capacity of 40 people for each session, which will be held in the Ō Papa Gallery at Canterbury Museum at CoCA.

Come meet the insects

19 and 26 January, 11am: Meet live insects, explore Canterbury Museum’s bug drawers and ask our educators all about the insect world.

Capacity of 40 people for each session, which will be held in the Ō Papa Gallery at Canterbury Museum at CoCA.

Insect drawing classes

20, 21 and 27 January,: Learn to draw with artist Sharnae Beardsley, who is celebrated for her beautifully detailed artworks of plants and insects.

Beardsley, who has won awards and exhibited across New Zealand, will take you through the fine art of drawing insects over two hours.

There is a capacity limit of 20 children per session and tickets are $15 each. If your child is aged 10 years or under, please ensure that your child is accompanied by an adult (parent or caregiver).

There are sessions for different age groups:

• Saturday 20 January 1.00 pm (5–10 year olds)
• Saturday 21 January 1.00 pm (5–10 year olds)
• Saturday 27 January 1.00 pm (11–16 year olds)

For more information and to book tickets: www.canterburymuseum.com/visit/whats-on/insect-drawing-classes