Olveston Historic Home

Categories: Otago
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From $20 AED
Per Adult
Olveston Historic Home
Museum
Art Gallery
Garden
Historic Site

A ‘must visit’ for lovers of arts and culture; Olveston offers a unique glimpse into the extraordinary lives of one of Dunedin prominent and generous families.

‘Olveston’ was the home of businessman, collector and philanthropist David Theomin. Designed by the English architect, Sir Ernest George, the house was built with every modern convenience including central heating, a gas generator for electricity, a shower in each bathroom and heated towel rails, an internal telephone system and service lift.

A passionate collector, the house was extensively and lavishly furnished with exotic artefacts and furniture, prized artworks and antiques, carpets and rugs, ceramics, bronze statues and weaponry all purchased during the families many travels around the world.

Inherited by the Theomin’s daughter Dorothy in 1933, she continuing the family tradition of collecting and philanthropy; supporting many of the artistic and community causes championed by her parents including Dunedin Public Art Gallery and the Plunket Society.

Following Dorothy’s death in 1966, ‘Olveston’, complete with the original contents, was gifted to the people of Dunedin and opened as a house museum the following year.

Visiting Olveston is by guided tour only; tours of the house reveal the extraordinary lives of the Theomin family and allow a glimpse of one of New Zealand’s wealthiest families with strong artistic and community focus.

Guided tours commence daily at 9.30am, 10.45am, 12noon, 1.30pm, 2.45pm and 4pm.

Pre-booked group tours are available at any time (8 people or more, 8am until 8pm, daily). Group tours are available with English, French, German, Dutch, Japanese, Mandarin and Cantonese speaking guides.

Morning and Afternoon high-teas options and evening drinks and canapes are available for group bookings - please contact the house to discuss your arrangements.

Set within a 1-acre ‘Garden of National Significance’, at 42 Royal Terrace, Olveston is within walking distance from the Octagon. The gardens and gift shop are open daily for free between 9.30am and 5.00pm.

'Olveston' is a time capsule, as little has changed inside the house since it was occupied as a family home.

Olveston Historic Home
Olveston Historic Home
Olveston Historic Home
Olveston Historic Home
Olveston Historic Home
Olveston Historic Home

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Contact

Olveston Historic Home
42 Royal Terrace
Dunedin
Otago
9016
New Zealand
03-477-3320

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