Te Manawa Museum is a cultural centre at 326 Main Street, Palmerston North, rated 4.6 on Google from 1123 reviews. Its listing describes a venue since 1971 with contemporary art, science, social and natural history exhibits and events. The website says the collection holds around 300,000 items, including artworks, photographs, taonga, heritage objects, technology and natural history specimens, and that there is a museum shop.
The website lists a hands-on science exhibition for children about air and aerodynamics, built with Museums Victoria, and an exhibition called Screech about loud ceramics. It also mentions new works by Kura Te Waru-Rewiri, paintings by Emily Hartley-Skudder, a water room with a model of the Manawatū river, and workshops for children and adults, including botanical drawing. A museum that mixes art and science suits visits with children and adults together. Exhibitions change, so check the website for what is on, and allow time for the hands-on areas, which are often the most popular.
For art, history and a family outing in central Palmerston North, Te Manawa is a well-reviewed local museum.