Designed by Alfred Atkins and built in 1893 as Whanganui’s first Public Museum, to house the collection of Samuel Drew. From 1931 to 2016 the home of the Whanganui branch of the Savage Club, an international group of gentleman’s clubs.

Samuel Drew was a well-known watchmaker and jeweller in Whanganui with a keen interest in natural history and geology. He established a museum in his family home until the collection outgrew the space available.  The current building was designed by Alfred Atkins to serve as the Wanganui Public Museum and the eastern hall was constructed in 1893. By 1899 the western hall was added and acted as a lecture hall and for concerts.

Eventually the collection outgrew the building and the collection was moved to the purpose built Whanganui Regional Museum and the Savage Club took over lease of the site from Council. Little has changed since, with minor additions and restoration.

The Whanganui Musicians Club took over ownership and lead occupancy of the site in the early 2020’s and are keen to ensure its preservation. A Conservation Plan has been completed and restoration will proceed as fundraising allows.

• District Council Heritage - Link: https://data.whanganui.govt.nz/wdc/HeritageSheets/284.pdf
• Owners Facebook - Link: https://www.facebook.com/WhanganuiMusos/