Victoria’s Point Ellice House has undergone renovations and will open this weekend July 20-21) with a new exhibit. (Facebook/Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens)

Victoria’s Point Ellice House has undergone renovations and will open this weekend July 20-21) with a new exhibit. (Facebook/Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens)

Learn about a life of luxury at Victoria’s historic Point Ellice House

New political exhibit part of grand reopening at the House this weekend, July 20-21

An historic Victoria site is reopening after months of closure.

The Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens, under new management at 2616 Pleasant St. in the Rock Bay neighbourhood, has its grand reopening set for this weekend (July 20-21).

The three-month renovation saw updates and repairs to floors and windows, as well as the installation of a new exhibit – “The Politics of Luxury” examines the glamorous life of the O’Reilly family, who lived at Point Ellice House for 108 years.

ALSO READ: New operators share future vision for hidden Victoria landmark

“The Politics of Luxury isn’t your grandmother’s historic house experience,” says executive director Kelly Black. “The exhibit takes on the colonial past and examines how decisions made within these historic homes had important and sometimes devastating effects on the people of British Columbia – particularly First Nations. (Those) decisions continue to shape the province today.”

Over 6,000 artifacts will be on display to help illustrate the story, she adds. “We know that many people in Victoria have never visited Point Ellice House and with these upgrades and new experiences, there has never been a better time to visit one of the city’s best-kept secrets.”

ALSO READ: Historic Victoria site plagued with hefty trash dumps

The House is open noon to 4 p.m. for the grand reopening this Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, July 28 the house plays host to an archaeology day focusing on the history of the Gorge Waterway, as well as family activities, with refreshments available.

For more information you can visit PointElliceHouse.com.

nicole.crescenzi@vicnews.com


Send a Tweet: @NicoleCrescenzi

Like us on Facebook  

City of Victoriahistory