The living Museum

About

The Living Museum is a 1900's Villa, nestled at the foot of the te Aroha Mountain, the 'Mountain of Love'.

Story

The Living Museum is a 1910 Villa set in the beautiful town of Te Aroha, (The Mountain of Love) and is seeped in history. The Villa is set in a 2 acre property, with an orchard, and shed, which house American Cars and a 1928 Angela company showman's wagon from UK. The Villa proudly showcases the vast collection of Bill and Angela's collection from The British Royal family (of over 8000 exhibits, 5000 of items relating to the four major exhibitions which were held in Christchurch, Auckland Dunedin and Wellington from 1906 to 1940 and is honoured to have the latest items commemorating Her Majesty's longest reign and Her 90th. Birthday. Queen Elizabeth also marks a third achievement as Her husband is still living. Amongst the plethora of artifacts are ornate cane prams and cane wheel chairs made by Bill's grandfather's business which was established in 1893. A picture of his grand father graces the wall of one of the bedrooms alongside a photo taken in 1953 of Her majesty Queen Elizabeth receiving a gift of a childs pram for Princess Anne . This was presented on Christmas day 1953 at Government House in Auckland when the Queen made Her first visit as Queen to New Zealand. There is also a large collection of Te Aroha memorabilia, and personal collections on view of Bosson heads, (UK) beer steins and other interesting items. Stories are relayed as one wanders through the rooms of the Villa and a complete tour would take approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours.