Olveston was built for Dunedin businessman, collector and philanthropist David Theomin, his wife Marie and their two children Edward and Dorothy.

Designed by acclaimed English architect Sir Ernest George, Olveston was built as a family home furnished with fine art, furniture and artefacts purchased from all around the world.

Intended for future generations of Theomin’s to enjoy, this was not to be the case as both the Theomin children died without heirs. Surviving the death of her father, mother and elder brother, Miss Dorothy Theomin lived at Olveston until her death in 1966, when it was discovered the house and the original contents were gifted to the City of Dunedin.

Opened as a historic house museum in 1967, Olveston is a time capsule as little has changed inside the house since it was occupied as a family home between 1906 to 1966.

Olveston is an authentic and original historic home depicting the life of a wealthy merchant family in the early part of the twentieth century.

Olveston is open 364 days of the year, 9am - 5pm,
(Christmas Day only by prior arrangement).

Entry to Olveston is by guided tour only.
Entry to the gardens and gift shop is free.

Six 1-hour public tours commence daily at:
9.30 am, 10.45 am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.45pm and 4pm.
(reservations are recommended).

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The guided tour of the house takes one hour. To fully appreciate the garden in the season, the outside architecture and the family motor car (a 1921 Fiat 510 Tourer) and browse in the gift shop, then approximately 1 hr 15 min is recommended.

Guided tours of the house are managed up to 15 people per tour.

Tours are conducted in English.

Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Japanese and Mandarin speaking guides are available for group bookings (10 or more).

Olveston offers a programme of other events and special tours throughout the year. Visit our calendar for more details about what’s on.