Demolition Of Museum Pyramid Starts This Week Share Your Memories

Mike Sanford

Apr 15, 2024 - 1 min read

Historical Reflection: Residents are invited to share stories and memories, celebrating the legacy of the iconic museum before its demolition.
Future Developments: The demolition paves the way for the new Museum of Southland, with a time capsule to preserve collected memories.

Eloise Wallace, Director of Museum of Southland, expressed excitement for the future while acknowledging the significance of the past. Related: Friday Flashback – Southland Museum Athenaeum and Beyond

“We are thrilled about the prospects of our new museum. However, it’s essential we honour the cherished memories of our old museum, a cornerstone of our community’s history.”

The Southland Museum, notable for its distinctive pyramid structure added in 1990, has been a central part of Invercargill since 1942.

Photo: Invercargill Museum; 05 May 1950; Adkin, Leslie Te Papa Collection

Closed since April 2018 due to earthquake risks, the museum was also known for housing Southland’s tuatara. A new enclosure for these reptiles nears completion at Queens Park.

The demolition of the pyramid is scheduled to begin on April 15. “For over three decades, this pyramid has been a backdrop to Invercargill’s daily life. It’s fitting we send it off with a tribute to the memories it hosted,” added Wallace.