Auckland Museum is bringing back its after-hours singles nights this October, with two back-to-back events giving people the chance to explore the galleries after dark and meet new faces.
The first evening, Mingle at the Museum, takes place on Wednesday 8 October, followed by Mingle at the Museum: Pride Edition on Thursday 9 October, designed as a celebration for the LGBTTQIA+ community.
Guests will be greeted on arrival with a name badge and a welcome from the MC, who will keep the evening moving with light-hearted activities and entertainment. There’ll be quizzes, bingo, sketching sessions inspired by the Museum’s collection, “double dates,” and other icebreakers aimed at helping people connect.
Both nights will feature DJ sets from Marjorie Sinclair, a Brazilian-born queer music icon known for shaping Aotearoa’s nightlife over the past 16 years. Sinclair mixes tropical and Brazilian beats with Afro House, hip-hop, and Afro beats for what are expected to be lively sets.
Tickets also include access to the international exhibition DIVA, on loan from London’s V&A. The show brings together more than 50 iconic performance looks, including Maria Callas’ stage ensemble as Norma (1952), Marilyn Monroe’s black fringed dress from Some Like it Hot (1959), and the only surviving dress worn by silent film star Clara Bow.
Other highlights include Bob Mackie pieces worn by Tina Turner, P!nk, and Cher, Elton John’s elaborate Louis XIV–inspired 50th birthday outfit, and Shirley Bassey’s pink couture gown with diamanté wellington boots from Glastonbury 2007.
Tickets cost $45, with a 10% discount for Auckland Museum members.
