The great-great-grandchildren of Robert Anderson say it was emotional to finally see life once again in the family’s house.
Eight years after its closure, Anderson House in Invercargill was reopened on Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The house, built by Sir Robert Anderson in 1925, was given to the city of Invercargill by the Anderson family in 1951 and served as the Invercargill Art Gallery until January 2014, when it was closed because of earthquake concerns.
Earthquake-strengthening and exterior repairs were completed earlier this year.
The house would now be opened at the weekends to welcome the community.
He said this would be the first time the public had been able to walk through the house since 1951 - when it was used as the art gallery, just parts of the house were open to the community.
"It was a long time, but we are here. It is a huge milestone, not only for the trust, but for the city of Invercargill. We are all very excited."
Members of Sir Robert’s family were present at the ceremony.
Great-great-granddaughter Jenny McLeod was impressed by the work done.
"I’ve just been through and as a great-great-granddaughter, I am a bit speechless.
"It brings back a lot of nostalgic thoughts," Ms McLeod said.
Robert Anderson, who shared the name with his great-great-grandfather, agreed.
"It is like having my great-great-grandfather back again ... I think he would be looking down on this and would be very proud," he said.
