Architecture doesn’t have to be serious.
Across the Festival, there are plenty of ways to experience buildings, places and spaces simply because they’re interesting, surprising or fun.
Explore with friends and family: see extraordinary buildings created with LEGO, get amongst the creativity at Whanganui Fun Palaces, experience Te Ao Hou Marae, take a guided tour of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, and discover the places that make our cities unique.
These events are all free to attend, although some require registration as places are limited.
Here’s our Social Fun edit of architecture-inspired Festival events.
He Puawaitana, the Flourishing Te Ao Hou Marae: Open Day
Te Ao Hou Marae is a significant Māori cultural and community hub in Aramoho, Whanganui. It provides a place for gatherings, celebrations, remembrance, and the sharing of culture and knowledge. As a venue, it offers a unique and meaningful setting grounded in the traditions and values of mana whenua.
17-19 October
10:00am-4:00pm
Aramoho, Whanganui
FREE, bookings required
Whanganui Fun Palaces: Laboratory of Fun
Help us build the Monument to Fun Palace the way you want it – you’re building out the walls! Paint, upcycle, fabricate, smoosh, squish, think, play and create. Whoever you are, young, old or in-between, the Fun Palace is a space for everyone to embrace their creativity and culture whatever that looks like.
16-18 October
10:00am-5:00pm
Whanganui War Memorial Centre
FREE, bookings required
WELL-LUG Brick Builders: Architecture that Connects
An exhibition built exclusively from LEGO® bricks! Come and see an array of very different build designs, from the arts, play and culture to visions of the future. Their aim: to highlight our various connections to the architecture in our lives.
16-18 October
10:00am-4:00pm
Whanganui War Memorial Centre
FREE, bookings required
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery Tour
Join gallery staff for a tour and gain insights into the latest exhibitions, gallery history, and the award-winning redevelopment that has transformed one of Aotearoa’s oldest purpose-built galleries into a dynamic space where art, ideas and community connect.
18 October
11:00am - 12:00pm
Te Whare O Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, Whanganui
FREE, bookings required