Historic building

About Us | The Redevelopment | Former Maritme Museum

One of Wellington's most significant heritage buildings, the former Bond Store and Wellington Harbour Board Head Office is classed Category One by the NZ Historic Places Trust.

The Bond Store in the 1890s, showing what is now Jervois Quay	A view of the eastern side - peach jam is loaded into the Bond Store. This is now the new entrance to the Museum.

Built in 1892 and designed by well-known architect Frederick de Jersey Clere, the Bond Store (warehouse) building has become something of a Wellington icon - a constant feature in a changing city-scape over several generations.

As historic as the history it now houses, the building was originally a warehouse where everything from corsets to whiskey and coffee was stored until duty was paid.

From 1892 until after the First World War much of what Wellington ate, drank and wore had spent time within the Bond Store's walls.

Located in the hub of Queens Wharf it was also the head office of the all-powerful Wellington Harbour Board.

With the Boards own by-laws and political structure the Harbour Board and Bond Store building was a symbol of the booming shipping trade and successful port development in Wellington's early formative years.

The building was divided from the city by the wrought iron fence that still runs alongside Jervois Quay today.

Now restored to its former glory the building reflects both its warehouse origins (now Museum gallery space) and Harbour Board offices with its magnificent historic board room and heritage staircase.

The restored heritage staircase in the new Museum.