The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery is a small private museum and gallery located at 61 Royal Terrace in central Dunedin
Open Fridays from 12-5 and weekends from 10 -5.
If you would like to visit the Museum outside these hours please get in touch and we may be able to open up for you.
Spread over three rooms of an old central city villa, the museum contains a collection of skulls, bones, biological curiosities, ethnological art and unusual cultural artifacts which the artist and curator has collected over a life-time.
There is also a gallery featuring the artist's trademark textural bone sculptures and paintings of animals on canvas. The Museum stocks a small collection of books and t-shirts as well as art and sculptures for sale.
Opening Hours
The Museum is usually open three days a week but may also be open on public holidays.
If the Museum isn't open when you visit Dunedin you are welcome to contact Bruce (Ph. 021 0329 906) and he may be able to open up if he is available.
- Friday - 12 noon - 5pm
- Saturday - 10am - 5pm
- Sunday - 10am - 5pm
- Public Holidays - Check here for more details or DM the Museum on Facebook.
For more ideas on what to do in Otepoti (Dunedin) - see KAYAK DUNEDIN TRAVEL GUIDE
If you're looking for accommodation nearby see HotelsCombined.
Entry Price
• Waged Adults(16 years and over) - $10
• Family groups (Two adults and up to 3 children aged under 16) - $20
• Students/ unwaged and people aged 6-16 - $5
• Children under the age of six are free.
• Donations are also welcome!
Parking is available on the street or in the drive-way. Alternatively, it's a short walk up the hill from the main street (George Street) or another near-by attraction - Olveston.
Conditions of Entry
Everyone is welcome but please be aware that the museum is part of a private house and entry is strictly at the discretion of the owner.
The museum is suitable for children but people under the age of 18 might not be admitted unless they are accompanied by an adult. Parents are advised to maintain watchful vigilance over their children and any breakages will have to be paid for before leaving.
No-one obviously under the influence of alcohol will be admitted. Dogs are OK if on a lead.
Please note that security cameras are in operation at all times.
Reviews of the Museum on Trip Advisor
Amazing, informative experience
Jan 2023
I love how there was a mixture of local and international objects in this museum. Anyone whose interested in art will also enjoy, as there were art works as well. The museum itself is well set out and I love how you have to look high and low at all the items in each room. The collection of skulls was interesting. Definitely worth the visit to anyone who comes to Dunedin or is local to the area.
Fantastic Dunedin experience!
Jan 2023 • Friends
Awesome experience if you’re visiting Dunedin. We loved meeting Bruce and talking to him about his collections and artworks (as the sign on his desk says, he’s very friendly!). Such an amazing and well curated collection
Fascinating and eclectic collection
Dec 2022
An experience you won't forget! So much to see here, and there's bound to be something to interest everyone - allow a good hour. This eclectic collection of all sorts of bones, skeletons, desiccated animals, and Bruce Mahalski's unique bone and coral art, is interspersed with vintage kitsch dolls, curios from Seacliff mental asylum, paranormal artefacts and much more. The labels tell the often intriguing or quirky background and origins of each exhibit, and the old Otago Museum display cases are perfect.
Bruce also sells some of his art, plus t-shirts, books etc