Art Deco Sightseeing

 Napier City is the site of some of the finest examples
of authentic Art Deco in the world!
It is also the only city in the world that is almost entirely Art Deco!

Why?  Because of an earthquake of magnitude Richter 7.9 that struck Napier at 10:47 am on Tuesday, February 3 1931. The quake destroyed most of the buildings in the city. And, those buildings that were not destroyed by the earthquake, were destroyed by the fires that swept through the city soon after.

The total destruction of the old buildings provided an opportunity to build an entirely new and modern city.  The 1930s was the age of Art Deco style and the local architects embraced this new style for two reasons: its inherent beauty and its practicality (as it utilised concrete which was both inexpensive and withstood tremors well).

The new city of Napier was built in just two years - it was almost without precedent. There are no other towns or cities in the world built entirely in this style that was so popular in the early 1930s. Together these buildings merge into a townscape consistent in scale, materials and design, which relate to the Napier environment with Mediterranean climate, palms, Norfolk pines, and the South Pacific Ocean.

Napier citizens are justly proud of their claim that it is the Art Deco Capital of the World, and the city hosts many Art Deco events throughout the year. Its Museum and Art Gallery have a permanent exhibition of Art Deco objet d'art.

------The Masters Lodge-----
Selected As One of the "Five Best Art Deco Hotels" In the World
The Independent News UK 2004

ART DECO WALKS
Guided Walking Tours sponsored by The Art Deco Trust are provided every day except Christmas Day. These are highly popular walks and very much worth your time. Morning Walks of 1-hour commence at 10 am every morning year-round at the Napier Visitor Information Centre on Marine Parade. The cost is $8 per adult; children are free. Afternoon Walks of 2 hours commence at The Art Deco Shop at 2 pm every afternoon from 1 October to 30 June, and every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon in winter. The cost is $10 per adult; children are free.  You can also explore the fascinating townscape with the help of self-guided tour maps by car or on foot. And, The Master's Lodge offers private tours for discerning travellers to meet their schedules and particular interests.

THE ART DECO SHOP
The shop retails a wide range of unique gifts and souvenirs inspired by Napier's architecture and early 20th century design. Free video screenings, complimentary refreshments and information are available. The shop is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day except Christmas Day.

ART DECO WEEKENDS
On the third weekend every February, Napier stages New Zealand's "not-too-serious celebration of Art Deco style". Dress up and join in the hectic round of activities - wining, dining, jazz, dancing, aeroplanes, vintage cars, house tours, walks, picnics and much, much, more. A detailed programme listing the many events is available from 1 October each year. 

Again in late July of each year, a smaller, more intimate Art Deco festival is held. It’s focus is on the pleasures of winter – wine, warmth, dance and fabulous food!

Contact Details: Art Deco Trust, PO Box 133, Napier, New Zealand  Phone: +646 835 0022

 
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