Gin & the Collection

Behind-the-scenes Tour

Want a night out that is a little different from the usual restaurant or bar? Come along, taste award-winning boutique gins and get a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of Tūhura Otago Museum's rarely seen basement collection. In celebration of NZ International Science Festival 2023, this evening will feature collections that visiting researchers have travelled across the world to see.

We are partnering with the Alchemist Mixology and showcasing Three City's and Grace O’Malley Gins for visitors to taste alongside a delicious antipasto selection. The Alchemist provide a different kind of experience, beautiful cocktails made with top shelf spirits with mixers & garnishes sourced right here in Aotearoa. You will enjoy a sophisticated evening tasting gins and cocktails in the Museum’s stunning Atrium, with excellent music and canapés.

There will also be a seldom-offered tour of our Collections Stores and Conservation Workshop. With over 1.5 million objects and taoka, the Stores are astoundingly varied. This area is usually only seen by visiting researchers, dignitaries, and media, but tonight our Collections and Conservation team will guide you through the vast labyrinth of rooms in the basement of the Museum.

From cuneiform tablets to penguin skulls, scientists and artists have sought out Tūhura Otago Museum’s unique collections to inform and inspire their work. Come to hear about some of their findings and find out what still remains unknown.

This will be an evening to tell your friends about. Don’t miss out – limited tickets available, 18+ only

5.30 pm, Wednesday 5 July
Meet in Museum Foyer
$45 per person, including guided collections tour, canapés, and boutique gin