Open Afternoons

Historic Caccia Birch House on the edge of Hokowhitu Lagoon, Palmerston North is open for viewing on Sunday afternoons, so come along and experience the beautiful handcrafted rimu timber panelling, elegant chandeliers and wonderful local history!

Explore the house and gardens, learn about the past owners and how the house was rescued from dereliction and destruction in the eighties by PNCC and the many supporters since. Brought back to life in the nineties to become a thriving venue with many weddings and celebrations part of its recent history!

The Coach House Archive will be open with displays about the history throughout the old stables.
The grounds are home to many protected notable trees and memorial trees – pick up a map and work your way around whilst listening to the birds and enjoying the spring blossoms.

Extensive care has been put into the preservation of the buildings and gardens - so we love to share the experience of yesteryear with visitors.

On 25th September we will be hosting a display of Taylor Jensen Fine Arts welcome you to enjoy the visual treat showcasing a number of artists with mediums ranging from ceramic to oils. Opportunities to purchase will also be available.

We are pleased announce the artists who will be featuring during these October Open days:

Sunday 6th October: Brian Baxter
Ran his own signwriting business in Blenheim until 1973 when he became a full-time professional artist He won the prestigious Kelliher prize in 1977 for landscape painting. Brian has exhibited in all of New Zealand’s main centres as well as in Australia and the United States.Baxter’s paintings hang in many countries throughout the world.

Sunday 13th October: Adele Souster
Graduated with a Diploma in Graphic Design from Auckland Technical Institute. In 2002, after a successful Graphic Design career, began painting full time. Her painting are in oils, on large canvases, capturing a moment of light, adding detail to create atmosphere, making the viewer feel they are actually there." Represented by galleries throughout New Zealand, Adele’s work can be found in Private and Commercial collections here and overseas.

Sunday 20th October: Paul Lyons
Born in England, raised in Auckland, living in Palmerston North, Paul Lyons is a 64-year-old self-taught artist, an academic, an actor and a musician. Although Paul has painted for about twenty years, he has only occasionally shown works in galleries. Lyons was the Guest Artist at the 10th Anniversary Feilding and District Art Society Art Expo held at the Conference and Function Centre, Palmerston North, an experience he ‘quite enjoyed!’

Sunday 21st October: Nicola Tucker
Nicola Tucker, Conflict & War Artist, is a graduate with honours in Art and Aesthetics and has taught English and Communication studies for 20 years. Her expert knowledge has enabled her to act as an advisor, curator and participant of a number of holocaust exhibitions in her home country of Wales, London, other parts of Europe, and America over the past five years.

This is also a good time to view the venue if you are planning on holding a wedding or function. Feel free to approach our friendly staff for a chat or pick up one of the brochures from the foyer that contain all information on making a booking.

This is open to the whole community and best of all - entry is free!
We look forward to seeing you there!