The skeleton of Phar Lap, the most famous racehorse in Australasia, is having its posture corrected.
Phar Lap's bones were loaned to the Melbourne museum last year as part of celebrations for the 150th running of the Melbourne Cup. They were returned to Wellington six months ago.
Phar Lap won 37 of his 51 starts. He died in 1932.
His skeleton was mounted by a taxidermist who was not an expert in horse anatomy and its posture has been debated ever since.
Te Papa curator Colin Miskelly says the changes will include increasing the length of the spine and raising the skull into a prouder and more alert position.
Mr Miskelly says the skeleton will be back on display in the New Year along with a full size photo of Phar Lap's hide, which is mounted at the Melbourne museum.
Listen to Colin Miskelly