Wellington's Te Papa museum reopens after earthquake

Te Papa is officially back open, the museum confirmed on Wednesday morning. 

Te Papa temporarily closed its doors on Monday and Tuesday, in a bid to let archivists and museum staff assess the condition of the collections and the damage to the building.

"All Te Papa's exhibitions and facilities are open, with just a few spots where we are still tidying up," said Te Papa's chief executive Rick Ellis.

"Our team are all safe and well and the collections have come through brilliantly," said Te Papa's chief executive, Rick Ellis.

"Te Papa has been cleared by engineers as structurally safe," he added. "The quake has not had any impact on the building's structure."

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Ellis also confirmed that the museum's research facility, located on Wellington's Tory Street, remained unharmed.

"Our team are all safe and well and the collections have come through brilliantly."

Shortly after midnight on Monday morning, a 7.5 earthquake rattled Wellington, Kaikoura and Christchurch. The capital was described as a ghost town on Monday morning, as residents were urged to "stay put" and avoid travelling in and around the city.

Ellis credited the museum's "minor damage" to the rigorous earthquake proofing that the building has undergone.

"A full assessment of all collections will continue today, but overall we are relieved that there is only minor damage."

"We are very grateful for our good fortune, and sending aroha to everyone who has been affected out there," he said.

"Our message to everyone is haere mai and welcome back to Te Papa."