The Civic

Categories: Auckland
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The Civic
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The Civic is a category one classified protected building and is New Zealand’s premier lyric theatre with 2,379 seats split across two levels.

The Civic, one of the few remaining Atmospheric Theatres in the world, was built in 1929 in just 8 months. It was specifically designed as a 'movie palace' for talking pictures ('talkies'), which had just been introduced to New Zealand. The first purpose-built cinema of this type in the country, The Civic has become a much-loved Auckland landmark and entertainment venue.

The Civic was - and is - an outstanding example of the ‘atmospheric cinema’ with a unique soft-top design that floats above the auditorium, allowing the famed stars and clouds effect that is a recreation of the Southern Hemisphere sky-scape. Look up at the start of a show and see if you can spot the shooting star!

The rich and opulent ‘Rococo style’ interior reflects an Indian rock-hewn temple, and Indian motifs abound. Indian-inspired motifs in the public foyer include seated Buddhas, twisted columns and domed ceilings- and of course, lots of elephants. The main auditorium, with 2,378 seats, features turrets, minarets, spires, tiled roofs, Abyssinian panther statues - often referred to as lions – with their glowing green eyes, have all been faithfully restored to their former glory.

The Civic had a somewhat turbulent history, but was restored to its former glory in the late 1990s by Auckland City Council, and reopened in December 1999 after a 2 year, $42 million restoration. The restoration provided the opportunity to convert to live theatre capacity and upgrade to modern movie technology. As a result The Civic has become a popular venue for major touring shows while once again providing Auckland’s most sumptuous cinema experience. The Civic is considered the home of musicals in New Zealand.

The Civic, Auckland

The Civic, Auckland

The Civic, Auckland

The Civic, Auckland

The Civic, Auckland

The Civic, Auckland

The Civic, Auckland

The Civic, Auckland

The Civic, Auckland

The Civic, Auckland

The Civic, Auckland

The Civic, Auckland

Local

Eat and Drink

  • Wintergarden, The Civic - Auckland (0.0 miles) - The Wintergarden at The Civic was originally a ballroom with a view into the main auditorium. People...
  • Stark's Café and Bar, The Civic - Auckland (0.0 miles) - Stark’s Café and Bar is named after Freda Beatrice Stark. During World War II, she worked for the...
  • Aotea Square - Auckland (0.0 miles) - Aotea Square has undergone a two-year redevelopment programme, which was completed in 2010 to make t...
  • Big Little Grill - Auckland (0.1 miles) - Our main style of cooking is Charcoal Grill. The combination of smoke from the charcoal, when infuse...
  • Ostro Brasserie & Bar - Auckland CBD (0.1 miles) - Sleek, modern place offering inventive NZ cuisine, cocktails & panoramic views of Waitemata Harbour.

See and Do

  • The Civic Auckland (0.0 miles) - The Civic is a category one classified protected building and is New Zealand’s premier lyric theat...
  • Wintergarden, The Civic Auckland (0.0 miles) - The Wintergarden at The Civic was originally a ballroom with a view into the main auditorium. People...
  • Stark's Café and Bar, The Civic Auckland (0.0 miles) - Stark’s Café and Bar is named after Freda Beatrice Stark. During World War II, she worked for the...
  • Aotea Square Auckland (0.0 miles) - Aotea Square has undergone a two-year redevelopment programme, which was completed in 2010 to make t...
  • Odyssey Sensory Maze Auckland Auckland (0.0 miles) - Odyssey is an a-maze-ing adventure where while trying to find your way out you will experience darke...

Shopping

  • The Vault Design Store - Ponsonby (1.0 miles) - The Vault design store was founded by current owners Sarah and Philip Solaris with the vision of sho...
  • Aotearoa.co.nz - Devonport, Auckland (2.1 miles) - New Zealand made cultural art and gifts from local talent. Proudly supporting local New Zealand artis...
  • Eunice Taylor Ltd - Avondale (5.6 miles) - Eunice Taylor Ltd is the leading supplier and manufacturer of designer lighting and custom lampshade...

Contact

The Civic
269 – 287 Queen Street, Corner Queen Street & Wellesley Street
Auckland
Auckland Central
1010
New Zealand
09 309 2677
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