Seacliff Lunatic Asylum
Seacliff Lunatic Asylum, Former psychiatric hospital in Seacliff, New Zealand.
The Gothic Revival architecture of Seacliff Lunatic Asylum extended across 225 meters, making it the largest building in New Zealand during the 1880s.
The asylum operated from 1884 to 1973, facing structural issues and a devastating fire in 1942 that led to multiple casualties and changes in safety protocols.
Writer Janet Frame documented her experiences at Seacliff, providing insights into the mental health treatment methods practiced during the mid-20th century.
The site, now part of Truby King Recreation Reserve, maintains Category 1 historic place status under Heritage New Zealand's classification system.
Medical Superintendent Truby King transformed the facility into a working farm where patients engaged in agricultural activities as part of their treatment program.
Location: Dunedin City
Inception: 1884
Address: 22, 36 Russell Road and Coast Road, Seacliff
GPS coordinates: -45.67530,170.62200
Latest update: May 27, 2025 13:26
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