David J Roche AM (1930–2013), a collector for almost sixty years, spent his lifetime developing what has become The David Roche Collection. The collection, which spans the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and includes European furniture, ceramics, metal ware, clocks and paintings, is remarkable in its quality and range. It contains many luxury works by leading designers displaying exquisite workmanship, as well as the quirky and playful, and as such reflects the many interests and engaging personality of its creator.
Current exhibition
Style & Spirit: The fashion of Chester Weinberg
8 November 2024 – 25 January 2025
Style & Spirit celebrates the inspiring creativity of American couturier Chester Weinberg (1930–1985). More than 50 of Weinberg’s best creations from the 1950s to 1980s are displayed alongside pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Pierre Cardin, and André Courrèges.
Events
Public programmes
The David Roche Foundation hosts a diverse range of talks and public programmes all year round.
Click here to find out more about our upcoming programs and events.
Book a Tour
Tours of Fermoy House
Tuesday – Saturday
10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm
Access to Fermoy House and the David Roche Collection is by guided tour only.
Bookings are essential as a tour is not guaranteed without a booking.
Virtual House Tour
Visit Fermoy House online
See it now
Go on a virtual tour through David Roche’s incredible Fermoy House from the comfort of your own home.
About David Roche
The Collection
The David Roche Foundation was established in 1999 by the late Mr David J Roche AM (1930–2013) to be the recipient and custodian of the exceptional collection of antiques, paintings and objets d’art accumulated by him over his lifetime and to be preserved for future generations.
The David Roche Foundation collection, housed in David’s Fermoy House in Adelaide, South Australia, is one of the greatest decorative arts collections in a private institution in Australia. It spans two centuries of European design from the early rococo of France to Faberge in Russia.
The House is open by guided tour Tuesday to Saturday 10AM, 12PM & 2PM.
Book A Tour
Join us at The David Roche Foundation for guided tours of Fermoy House, David’s residence, and special exhibitions in the adjoining gallery wing. Enjoy the sumptuous house interiors crammed with objects collected over a lifetime and admire individual works of art displayed in the gallery.
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Access to Fermoy House and the David Roche Collection is by guided tour only.
Bookings are essential as a tour is not guaranteed without a booking.
Limited free parking available onsite
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Guided tours of Fermoy House are open to a maximum of 20 guests per tour (in 2 groups of no more than 10)
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Face masks are not mandatory however they are recommended during your tour of Fermoy House
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Disabled Access
Disabled car parking is available. The house and galleries accommodate wheelchair access, although access is limited in some areas of the house, which is a Federation villa. Mobility scooters are not suitable for use in the house, but are fine in the galleries. Both ambulant and non-ambulant toilets are available.
Please make us aware of the special needs of any member of your group in advance of your arrival, so that we can offer every assistance.
