Toitū Otago Settlers Museum a Big Hit

Toitū Otago Settlers Museum a Big Hit

Dunedin, 9 December 2013 – Toitū Otago Settlers Museum has attracted 320,884 visitors in its first year of operation.

The Museum underwent a four-stage, $37.5 million redevelopment which began in 2008 and finished last year. The redeveloped facility, which has doubled in size, had a civic opening on 7 December 2012.

Toitū Otago Settlers Museum Acting Director Jennifer Evans says, “The response from visitors has been fantastic! The team here are thrilled with the very high visitor numbers, which are more than four times as many as before the redevelopment.

“We receive a really good mix of tourists and locals, and we are busy on cruise ship days as well as weekends and public holidays. Right now, we are gearing up for our local audience coming in to see Pixie Town, so we expect a very busy few weeks leading up to Christmas.”

Museum staff members are particularly pleased people are coming back many times as the plan was always to encourage repeat visits.

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says, “Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is where the multiple strands of Dunedin’s whakapapa are on display and it’s fantastic our community appreciates it so much.”

Some comments from visitors:

“What an amazing treasure-house! Called in here during a recent trip to Dunedin, expecting a short, leisurely browse, but there was just so much to see that a return visit was scheduled for the following day - and I still wasn't done! The displays are excellent and the resources extensive - a must for anyone researching their southern heritage. Also fascinating for curious tourists, and there is a cafe with delicious food to sample.” Kaye W from Trip Advisor.

“We spent a couple of hours in this fantastic museum. A great way to learn the history of Dunedin and the people who made it. So glad we went and feel richer for the experience.”
Steve Smith from London, via Trip Advisor.

The Museum exceeded its new 180,000 annual visitor target in the first six months. The institution previously attracted about 65,000 visitors a year.

ENDS

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