Turnbull House, Wellington
Turnbull House, located in Wellington, holds significant historical value. Constructed in 1915 as the residence of Alexander Turnbull, a notable figure in New Zealand known for his business ventures, refined taste, and passion for collecting books. Turnbull's personal library, now known as the Alexander Turnbull Library, was housed here and later bequeathed to New Zealand. Recognized by Heritage New Zealand as a top-tier historic site, Turnbull House stands adjacent to The Beehive amidst New Zealand's Parliamentary Precinct.
The Alexander Turnbull Library, entrusted to the National Library, preserves and provides access to its vast collection, emphasizing its importance to New Zealand's cultural heritage. Turnbull's meticulous collection notably includes extensive works by John Milton, acclaimed globally. The architectural style of Turnbull House blends elements of Queen Anne and Scottish baronial designs, conceived by architect William Turnbull. The house originally boasted three spacious library rooms to accommodate Turnbull's extensive collection of literary treasures.
However, the outbreak of World War I delayed its completion until late 1915. Following Turnbull's passing in 1918, the government acquired the house in 1920, transforming it into the Alexander Turnbull Library, which remained until 1973. Subsequently, the collection merged with the National Library of New Zealand.
In recent years, Turnbull House served as a venue for various gatherings until concerns over earthquake safety prompted its closure to the public in 2012. Despite delays in investigations, efforts to reinforce the structure are underway, with completion targeted before the 2023 deadline.
The Alexander Turnbull Library, entrusted to the National Library, preserves and provides access to its vast collection, emphasizing its importance to New Zealand's cultural heritage. Turnbull's meticulous collection notably includes extensive works by John Milton, acclaimed globally. The architectural style of Turnbull House blends elements of Queen Anne and Scottish baronial designs, conceived by architect William Turnbull. The house originally boasted three spacious library rooms to accommodate Turnbull's extensive collection of literary treasures.
However, the outbreak of World War I delayed its completion until late 1915. Following Turnbull's passing in 1918, the government acquired the house in 1920, transforming it into the Alexander Turnbull Library, which remained until 1973. Subsequently, the collection merged with the National Library of New Zealand.
In recent years, Turnbull House served as a venue for various gatherings until concerns over earthquake safety prompted its closure to the public in 2012. Despite delays in investigations, efforts to reinforce the structure are underway, with completion targeted before the 2023 deadline.
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Turnbull House on Map
Sight Name: Turnbull House
Sight Location: Wellington, New Zealand (See walking tours in Wellington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Wellington, New Zealand (See walking tours in Wellington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Wellington, New Zealand
Create Your Own Walk in Wellington
Creating your own self-guided walk in Wellington is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Wellington Introduction Walking Tour
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and the country's second-largest city after Auckland. It also has the distinction of being the world's windiest city by average wind speed.
The city was designed by Captain William Mein Smith in 1840. He was the first Surveyor General for Edward Wakefield's New Zealand Company. The name comes from Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
The city was designed by Captain William Mein Smith in 1840. He was the first Surveyor General for Edward Wakefield's New Zealand Company. The name comes from Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
The first immigrants to New Zealand brought along their sense of style. Most of the country's first settlers, if not all of them, were Britishers; the capital city was no exception. The latter fact is duly reflected in Wellington's historical architecture. These buildings offer a glimpse into the city's past and add a great deal of charm to the cityscape. Let's take a quick... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles