We are a museum, gallery, research library and document archive collecting, preserving and exhibiting Lesbian Sapphic herstory and cultural experience and the cultural heritage of Rainbow+ Communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. We do this mahi for the benefit of our communities - to ensure all our stories and histories are part of the national narrative; to support research in topics about Rainbow+ communities and for the understanding of our living and future generations.
Our herstories are not stand-alone stories that happened in isolation but are expansive, complex and across different historical periods and context. Our stories, and as a result our collections are woven into and intertwined with the his-story/ her-story/ their-stories of Rainbow+ Communities and overflow into mainstream society through our work, whanau, and the causes, movements, groups and organisations we are connected with.
The museum is a safe inclusive space for all Rainbow+ Communities and is a venue for Rainbow+ Community groups, organisations, artists, performers, and creatives to use. We look for opportunities to collaborate on activities, host exhibits, and even do 'pop-up' museums in other places!
Getting To Know Us
A Brief HERSTORY
The museum was established as a way to represent the lives and herstories of 'ordinary lesbian sapphic people and communities. Around this time two women sharing a name passed away. Charlotte Prime, Te Ātiawa, a regular member in the 1970’s of the KG Club, an ordinary lesbian, quiet and unassuming, who lived out her identity in difficult times. And also Charlotte Smith who was another lesbian member of the KG Club.
Both Charlottes helped other women in their day-to-day lives as well as working on the KG Club Committee. Hence the name Charlotte was chosen.
The Charlotte Museum Trust became a registered charitable trust on the 7th of May 2007, and opened the first premises in Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, Auckland in 2008. The museum moved to Linwood Ave in Mt ALbert, then to 8a Bentinck Street, New Lynn where it was for nine years. Then in June 2023 we moved into our current premises at 1a Howe Street, Freemans Bay.
More Than a Museum
Saphira Research Library
& Document Archive.
We have a library packed with books perfect for students and researchers. View our catalogue online and visit or contact us to use our collection.