Te rohe | - Location
42 Royal Terrace, Dunedin

Ngā haora mahi | - Opening hours
Daily 9.00am-5.00pm - Six 1-hour guided tours daily

Te utu | - Admission
Adult $25.00
Child $14.00

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

Olveston was the home of businessman, collector and philanthropist David Theomin. Designed by the English architect, Sir Ernest George, Olveston 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. The house was also lavishly furnished with exotic artefacts, prized artworks, antiques, carpets, ceramics, statues and weaponry purchased from around the world.

Olveston was inherited by the Theomin’s daughter Dorothy in 1933. Continuing the family tradition of philanthropy, Dorothy supported 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, it was discovered that Olveston, complete with the original contents, was gifted to the people of Dunedin.

Visiting Olveston is by guided tour only; guided tours reveal the extraordinary lives of the Theomin family and allow a glimpse of Dunedin’s rich business, artistic and social history from the mid-1800s until the 1960s. Guided tours commence daily at 9.30am, 10.45am, 12noon, 1.30pm, 2.45pm and 4pm. For details of other activities and events held at the house throughout the year, visit www.olveston.co.nz.

Set within a 1-acre ‘Garden of National Significance’, at 42 Royal Terrace, Olveston is within walking distance from the Octagon.

Olveston is open 365 days (Christmas Day on request).

Ngā momo kohinga -
Collection Strengths

Social history

• Guided tours

• Wheelchair access

• Toilets

• Shop

• Other facilities

  Museum brochures / tourist brochures
  Morning or afternoon tea available on request for group bookings

• Postal address

  42 Royal Terrace, Dunedin

• Phone number

  64-3-477 3320

• Email address

  reception@olveston.co.nz

• Website

  http://www.olveston.co.nz