Description
Napier, New Zealand is known as the Art Deco Capital of the World, and for good reason.
The town was rebuilt in the Art Deco style after a massive earthquake in 1931 destroyed much of the town center. Today, visitors can experience the history and nostalgia of Napier year-round through tours organized by the Art Deco Trust. Guided and self-guided walks, as well as a vintage car tour, are offered daily and begin at the Art Deco Shop and Visitor Centre on Tennyson Street. The guided tours range from an easy one-hour morning walk highlighting the town’s building exteriors to an expanded two-hour afternoon tour that includes several interiors. Visitors can see photographs of the earthquake’s aftermath and the town’s reconstruction, watch a short film about Napier’s history, and shop for Art Deco-inspired rugs, vases, books, and jewelry at the Art Deco Shop and Visitor Centre.
During the tours, visitors can see classic examples of Art Deco architecture while the passionate volunteer guide highlights the nuances and finer details. Some of the most prominent examples of the Art Deco style in Napier include the Daily Telegraph building, the Auckland Savings Bank building (originally the Bank of New Zealand), and the Criterion Hotel. After getting their fill of Napier’s Art Deco treasures, visitors can stroll along the Marine Parade, a pedestrian promenade that runs along Hawke’s Bay and weaves through town, providing a long stretch of palm tree-lined. The promenade offers stunning views of the ocean and is a great place to relax and take in the scenery.
In conclusion, Napier, New Zealand is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Art Deco architecture. The town's unique history and stunning examples of Art Deco buildings make it a fascinating place to explore. Visitors can take guided or self-guided walks, as well as a vintage car tour, to experience the history and nostalgia of Napier year-round. The Art Deco Shop and Visitor Centre is a great place to start, where visitors can see photographs of the earthquake’s aftermath and the town’s reconstruction, watch a short film about Napier’s history, and shop for Art Deco-inspired souvenirs.
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