The Civic Theatre is throwing open every door this Saturday for a free Community Open Day marking exactly 120 years since the Invercargill venue officially opened on 14 November 1906.
Invercargill City Council venues and events manager Ryan Sycamore said the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate the rich history of the building, while allowing people the freedom to explore it on their own terms.
"The Civic is an elegant, Category 1 heritage venue filled with wonderful stories and a history dating back to 1906, but this comes with a level of prestige that can be a bit intimidating," he said.
"The Civic Theatre belongs to the people of Invercargill, and we welcome visitors from all walks of life. At the Community Open Day, you'll have a chance to look around the entire building, whether you're a veteran of the theatre or it's your first time stepping through the doors."
Visitors can sign up for a guided tour or explore at their own pace. A short film and informative displays will allow people to go deeper into the theatre's 120-year history.
"We're going to open every door in the place. You'll have free rein to go basically everywhere, from the front of house to backstage, down to the basement and up to the roof," Sycamore said.
Other attractions include a schedule of presentations by local historian Senga White, a collection of historical items curated by Invercargill City Libraries and Archives, and a brick build miniature of the theatre created by local artist Tienkie Venter.
Visitors will be encouraged to try out the lighting and fly systems on stage, or manipulate the sound and music from the control booth high above the auditorium.
There will also be a Southland Oral History Project recording station where visitors can share their memories, while Archives staff will be on hand to digitise or take donations of programmes, posters and memorabilia brought in by members of the public.
A new artwork titled Jewel of the city by artist Kimberley Birchfield will be permanently displayed in the Civic Theatre foyer as a lasting tribute to the anniversary.
"It's a beautiful piece of art that captures the essence of the Civic at 120 years old - a must-see for anyone who appreciates the building's iconic architecture," Sycamore said.
The Civic Theatre, a celebrated example of the Edwardian Baroque style, was officially opened by the Governor of New Zealand Lord Plunket and Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward. Originally known as the Invercargill Town Hall and Theatre, it has retained many heritage features characteristic of the early 1900s, including a detailed exterior façade and intricate gilded plasterwork in the auditorium. Since 1984, the Civic Theatre has been classified as a Category 1 Historic Place by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
"As we've explored the theatre's history for its 120-year anniversary, we've uncovered all sorts of stories from people who have worked here, performed here or sat in the audience over the decades," Sycamore said.
"What comes through in all of these stories is how much people love the Civic. I hope everyone who visits on Saturday leaves with that same affection for this special Invercargill landmark."
The Community Open Day runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday November 14 at the Civic Theatre, 88 Tay St, Invercargill. Entry is free.
Further information is available on the Council's website.