The vision of the Charlotte Museum Te Whare Takatāpuni-Wāhine o Aotearoa is to preserve, collect and exhibit the objects, items, ephemera and herstory of lesbian sapphic women who love women, the lesbian cultural experience and our diverse communities in Aotearoa. Our museum, gallery, research library and document archive preserve lesbian culture for the benefit of our communities' and the understanding of future generations.

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Our name developed from the idea of using a woman's name as a way to celebrate ordinary lesbians. 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.

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The Charlotte Museum Trust became a registered a trust on the 7th of May 2007, and opened its first premises in Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, Auckland in 2008. We are part of the Te Papa National Museum Standards programme.

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We provide safe and inclusive space for all our communities and have space for community groups and rainbow organisations to use. The museum also undertakes and supports research in topics about LGBTI+ communities. And we often host exhibits and 'pop-up' museums in other places. Learn more about what we are doing and how you can get involved.