Napier Municipal Theatre 

The Napier Municipal Theatre is a stunning example of Art Deco beauty.  With seating for 993 her stage has been hosting world-class performances for decades.

The Napier Municipal Theatre dates back to early 1912 when an elaborate building was designed in the Italian renaissance style by leading Australian architect William Pitt.  

119 Tennyson Street

Napier Municipal Theatre

Circa late 1920s prior to the 1931 earthquake

Sadly, the much-loved theatre became a total ruin in the 1931 earthquake.  The town managed without a replacement for several years while more urgent construction took priority.  In 1935, frustration at the lack of an adequate performance venue came to a head and plans for a new theatre progressed.  An 1,154 seat theatre was rebuilt and opened for its first performance on June 3, 1938.  Some improvements were made over the next 50 years, but nothing major was attempted until the formation of a development committee in 1987.

Redevelopment of the theatre began in 1992 and was completed in two stages over the next five years with a prime focus on preserving the integrity of its original Art Deco architecture.  Local architect Guy K. Natusch led a team of designers in the skillful addition of modern theatre facilities for both performers and patrons making this theatre truly unique.