change

Home 

Choose your country

or

 

History & Culture

 

 

Napier - Art Deco Architecture

Art Deco Architecture, Napier - click for more.
The Rothmans Building is a fine example of Napier's world famous Art Deco architecture.
More about this image
A national disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. On the morning of February 3rd 1931 a massive earthquake - 7.9 on the Richter scale - rocked Hawke's Bay for more than three minutes. Nearly 260 lives were lost and the vast majority of buildings in the commercial centre of Napier were destroyed, either by the quake itself or the fires that followed.

Rebuilding began almost immediately, and much of it was completed in two years. New buildings reflected the architectural styles of the times - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco. Local architect Louis Hay, an admirer of the great Frank Lloyd Wright, had his chance to shine; Maori motifs were employed to give the city a unique New Zealand character (for example, the ASB bank on the corner of Hastings and Emerson Streets features koru and zigzags similar to those used in Maori weaving designs).

Napier's city centre has the feeling of a time capsule - the seamless line of 1930s architecture is quite extraordinary. The best way to enjoy the streetscape is on a self-guided walk - ask for a map at the information centre.
 


 
HAWKES BAY Region


Contact Details

Find out more about this scenic highlight from the nearest i-SITE

Napier is the closest town to this highlight.

In Napier:

Other towns near Napier by road:

Other towns near Napier by rail:

Napier does not have any rail stations.

Other towns near Napier by air:

Disclaimer
All information available on this web site concerning products and services is provided by the suppliers of those goods and services. Because information is liable to change from time to time you should not rely on the information on this web site but should check the accuracy of the information with the relevant supplier. Tourism New Zealand is not responsible or liable for any claims arising in relation to information supplied to it.

 
Front Row Rugby Club

Front Row Rugby Club Join the Front Row Rugby Club along with Tana Umaga and thousands of others.

New Zealand Videos

New Zealand Videos Browse our collection of videos that showcase what New Zealand has to offer.

Your Words

Your Words Browse personal blogs for straight talking thoughts and opinions about our places, people and adventures.


› Email this page   › Page top

Tools:

Souvenirs:

Your Experiences:

100% Pure - newzealand.com
Edition: 
Travel:
Our other sites: 

100% Pure New Zealand on: 
The email addresses published on this web page are for conducting communications that promote Tourism in New Zealand, and are not to be used for any other commercial purpose.
Copyright 1999-2009 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.