Wellington police say an item that triggered the evacuation of Te Papa has been deemed not to be suspicious.
A cordon was set up at the entrance to the museum with Fire and Emergency tape this afternoon. Several police cars and two fire engines were at the scene.
The building was evacuated as a precaution.
Specialist police teams spent the afternoon searching the building.
But after completing their sweep, police said people can now return to the building.
"We thank the public for their patience while the incident was resolved."
Te Papa earlier tweeted the national museum was closed for the day and an update would be provided as soon as possible about the building's status for tomorrow.
The evacuation disrupted the Contractors Conference being held at Te Papa this week.