The opening of the R. A. Vance Stand in 1981 meant that the luncheon area on the ground floor of the old grandstand was no longer used. The Wellington Cricket Umpires Association used the area for their weekly meetings. One of their number, Stanley Cowman, had been accumulating cricketing memorabilia for ten years, and with the assistance of other umpires, laid the material out on trestle tables and magazine stands during the New Zealand v Australia test in February 1986. 
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John Oakley, then President of New Zealand Cricket, was so impressed that he determined along with Darren Hannah, that the area should become a permanent museum. Funding was raised for the project and under the direction of museum designer, Gary Couchman, the National Cricket Museum was opened by the Patron of the New Zealand Cricket Council, His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand, Sir Paul Reeves G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., on the 29^th November 1987, with Stanley Cowman as the Honorary Curator.

Since then, the museum, the collections and our exhibitions have changed immensely. Today when visiting the museum, you can immerse yourself in our interactive exhibits, test your skills as a batter in our VR, explore the science behind the sport, and relive some of the most unforgettable moments in New Zealand cricket history.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of the game or simply curious about its origins, the New Zealand Cricket Museum has something for everyone. Come and experience the thrill of the game and learn about the incredible players and teams that have made cricket such an important part of New Zealand's cultural heritage.