Discover the Art Deco Capital with Napier’s official, most experienced, and longest running tour operator. We encourage you to book our tours in advance to avoid disappointment.
In February 1985 a group of passionate heritage advocates joined together in order to promote the newly published “Take a Walk Through Art Deco Napier” leaflet, which had been funded by the Hawke’s Bay Museum, the Ministry of Works & Development and the Napier City Council
In June 1985 this group organised the premiere of Peter Wells’ television film “Newest City On The Globe”; on a fine winter Sunday afternoon, a crowd of 1100 people turned out to walk the streets of Napier and view its buildings, before viewing the film in a 340-seat theatre. The public’s enthusiasm encouraged those involved to continue working for the preservation, enhancement and promotion of Napier’s unique architecture, constructed after the Earthquake of 1931.
Art Deco Trust was legally incorporated in 1987.
In 1992, with support from the Napier City Council, the Trust became a full-time operation with a salaried staff member and its own premises and shop at what was once the Napier’s Central Fire Station in Tennyson Street, Napier.
In 2008 Art Deco Trust became a registered charity: CC21328
Today the Trust occupies a hugely increased space at 7 Tennyson Street, Napier. the renamed Art Deco Centre. Governed by a Board of Trustees, the staff are supported by over 120 dedicated volunteers.
The Art Deco Trust Incorporated is a guardian, a storyteller and an interpreter of some unique national treasures.
We are the guardian of a collection of beautiful art deco buildings constructed after the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake and fire.
The Trust is a storyteller of courageous people who were able to imagine a different kind of city and adopt the energy and optimism of a modern art and design movement to create it.
The Trust is also the interpreter of the spirit of Art Deco to contemporary audiences in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand and beyond.
Our Vision: Let the spirit of Art Deco shine on!
Our Purpose: To protect, preserve, promote and celebrate Art Deco era heritage.
We do this by offering Heritage Advice and Counsel; Tourism Walks&Tours products; Retail; Festival and Events.
