TOURS
One of the Most Intriguing Historical Places in BC
The Caetani Centre is home to one of most intriguing historical places in British Columbia. It is both one of the “best kept secrets” and one of the most beloved of Vernon BC’s tourist attractions.
We invite you to come find out why as you explore the history and lore held inside of this 125+ year-old heritage house. Learn about the fascinating world of this elusive branch of the Caetani family, descendants of Italian royalty, and their intriguing story through guided, self-guided or private tours of the Caetani House.
Chanel, Vuitton and a Letter from Einstein…
Sveva Caetani donated her house and property to the Greater Vernon community in 1994. It took until 2021 for this to become a reality, with the return of some of the family’s collections from museums across Canada and around the world. Some of the family’s belongings, heirlooms, jewelry and fashion were sold or went to auction and will never be returned.
On your tour, you will be able to view what has been returned to Sveva’s former home, including vintage haute couture Chanel and Vionnet fashions, luggage designed for the family by Vuitton, and a letter to Sveva Caetani from Albert Einstein, hand signed (and with a small typo!). Family photographs and home movies are also on display.
Sveva’s Life’s Work Returns Home
The highlight of the tour is being able to view a selection of Sveva Caetani’s stunning and luminous original Recapitulation series, on exhibit in the Caetani Art Gallery.
Each year, we display a different selection of this powerful series of artwork.
Click here to learn more about Sveva Caetani’s fascinating story.
-
Come see our ever-evolving heritage displays and a new selection of Sveva Caetani’s Recapitulation Series in our art gallery.
The Caetani Centre is open from 10 AM to 4 PM Tuesday to Friday for self-guided tours. Self-guided tours do not need to be booked.
Admission is $10/adult and $6/youth 18 and under at the door.
-
Hear the fascinating Caetani story told by one of our Interpreters while exploring fascinating Caetani family heirlooms, archives and art. See haute couture, home movies and a selection of Sveva Caetani’s heralded Recapitulation Series.
Guided tours are 1.5 hours long, and take place on Thursday evenings and Saturdays.
-
Private tours of the Caetani Centre for families, book clubs, special interest groups, corporate groups and more are available by appointment.
Please contact us to make arrangements.
-
Our field trip program connects students to curricular competencies in Social Studies, Arts Education, English Language Arts, as well as other related disciplinary curricular connections.