Pop-Up Gallery

Port Chalmers has a been host to a flourishing artist community over time. Port Chalmers Maritime Museum is delighted to now provide a designated pop-up art space to showcase works of our local artist community.

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New in our Pop-Up Gallery: Port Chalmers Harmonica Band

If you ever wanted to know what instrument a 'Harmonetta' was, you might like to check out our newest exhibition on the history of the Port Chalmers Harmonica Band. Dive into a time before smartphones and Spotify and learn about what people in the 'old times' did to socialize and enjoy themselves.

In 1937, a group of local amateur musicians formed the band and, for the next 30 years, it was a constant in the township’s social scene. The band was outstandingly good! From 1956 onwards, it was the premier band in annual central South Island competitions.

The exhibition has been curated by museum volunteer Shirley, after the museum was gifted a piano accordion owned by the late Bill Thomas - the band's piano accordionist for 20 of its 30 years.

With the good will of the volunteer on duty, visitors to the exhibition can hear authentic recordings of the Port Chalmers Harmonica Band in full flight. This is an exhibition to be enjoyed by young and old, alike. It will be on display until the end of October.