Meet Kimberly, Front of House Officer – Information Desk, who has been with the Museum for a year, greeting all who enter.
What do you love about your job?
Meeting new people and learning new things every day. I’m the first staff member people talk to when they arrive, and they share with me their stories and experiences, their travel plans, their families’ happiness and excitement, and sometimes even their worries and problems. I learn a lot from people; everyone has something different to give, and I enjoy helping them in return.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
When children are really excited by the Museum, when they’ve discovered a new object, or learnt something new! Kids love coming to the Info Desk and telling me what adventures they’ve had in the Museum, and I love hearing all about it!
What’s the most common question you get asked by visitors?
There are many; one is: “Where is the Animal Attic?” Yes it can be tricky to find, but make your journey to the top of the Museum (don’t forget to follow the paw prints). It’s absolutely worth the climb up all the stairs!
What’s your favourite gallery and why?
People of the World, because it has such a variety of objects from all round the world. I love the old clothing, Greek and Roman objects, and ceramics.
If you could make any collection item come to life, what would it be and why?
The Mummy! I would love to hear what she has to say about the time she lived in – the clothes she wore, the people she knew, and the food she ate! Ancient Egypt is fascinating.
What item or gallery would you tell visitors not to miss? The Pacific Cultures gallery – it has some truly unique and beautiful items in. Sometimes New Zealanders want to see things from Europe and around the world, forgetting that New Zealand and the Pacific Islands have some amazing cultures and history. I recommend having a good look in there!
Top tip for visiting the Museum: Make a day of it! Start before opening time with a Whittakers Dark Hot Chocolate, have a really good look around all the galleries, and finish back at the Café with yummy hot chips. A perfect day!