Follow in the footsteps of one of New Zealand’s greatest scientists and hold your next event in a Victorian lecture theatre. The Rutherford’s Den Lecture Theatre in the Clock Tower (1877) was one of the actual classrooms Ernest, Lord Rutherford, the father of nuclear physics, and his peers studied in. Built in the 1870s, the lecture theatre has been extensively strengthened and restored post-earthquake and enhanced with modern heating, lighting, audio-visual and sound equipment.
Rutherford’s Den Lecture Theatre
Immerse yourself in history
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you submitted an enquiry via the online enquiry form between 19/12/25 - 12/1/26 please get in touch with us by emailing venues@artscentre.org.nz. Regrettably, there was an error with the form during this period, and enquiries were not received.
An ideal historical location
- Lectures
- Presentations
- Meetings
- AGMs
- Workshops
- Education
Please note: This venue is not wheelchair accessible and strictly no food or beverage to be consumed in the theatre.
Key features
- Prime central city location off Worcester Boulevard
- Genuine Victorian lecture theatre with wooden seating, wood panelling, ornate windows, beautiful brickwork and 19th century graffiti
- Modern heating, lighting, audio-visual and sound equipment
- Beautiful light-filled significant heritage landmark designed by Benjamin Mountfort
- Adjacent boardroom available for food and beverage service
Floor plan
|
Theatre (fixed benches) |
70 people |
Rates
|
Half day |
$250 + GST including basic lighting and sound |
|
Full day |
$500 + GST including basic lighting and sound |
|
Evening (5.00pm to 9.00pm) |
$250 + GST including basic lighting and sound |
|
Full day or half day concession |
Please contact us if you are an arts community group to discuss rates. |
|
Bond |
$500 (no GST applicable) |
|
Other |
The Arts Centre will advise on external costs for cleaning, security and after-hours staff depending on the event. |
