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Home » Theater Guide » Location » New Zealand » Wellington » Embassy Theatre
Also known as Deluxe Theatre

Embassy Theatre

Wellington, New Zealand
10 Kent Terrace
, Wellington, New Zealand
(map)
+6444711395
Status: Open
Screens: Single Screen
Style: Greek Revival
Function: Movies
Seats: 852
Chain: De Luxe Theatres
Architect: Llewellyn Williams
Firm: Unknown
Embassy Theatre
The Embassy, as it appeared on its opening day: Oct 31, 1924
Photo courtesy of Gayle Munro
Opened October 31, 1924 as the 1749-seat Deluxe, the Embassy is believed to have one of the largest screens in the Southern Hemisphere. Its exterior is stripped classical, and the interior is classic Greek Revival hardtop. The lobbies are mosaic floor, and the theater contains a Sicilian white marble staircase, blue tiled walls, and bronze fittings.

The original screen and proscenium is hidden but preserved behind an enormous 70mm screen and proscenium installed in 1965. The downstairs is closed but not damaged, reducing seating to 852. Renovation revealed original paintings hidden behind 1960s false ceiling. Work was completed on December 19 2001 for the premiere of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings.
Contributed by Alistair Stewart

YOUR COMMENTS

 
Kindest regards Embassy Theatre: I'm writing from the US, re: a communication from kiwiattic.com, for the final movie of the "Lord of the Rings." I'd like to be apart of this, and would like to be put on a mailing list, updates list, how to what to do list, to get info to plan for the event. Are you doing that yet? If so, what do you need from me? Thank you in advance for your assistance, and cheers to "leanne" at kiwiattic.com, and others in your community, including your mayor, government, and tourism, for giving the early word to spur people to share in this, with your country. Best regards, Carrie Thomas
posted by CarrieThomas on Feb 25, 2003 at 7:23pm
The Embassy underwent a major restoration/re-development in 2003 as a precursor for the World Premiere of Peter Jackson's RETURN OF THE KING. The "tacky" proscenium installed in 1965 for 70mm was removed and the huge screen was moved higher and further back - this time a new proscenium was created that is in keeping with the existing style of the interior and one would never know it is not original.
The stalls, which hadn't been used since 70mm was installed, were finally sealed off and two new cinemas were built in this disused space. Other improvements include: air-conditoning, reduced seating to accomodate wider rows & bigger more luxurious seats, foyer refurbishment, new 35mm/70mm projector & all Digital sound formats. A great cinema to see a movie - the sound and picture rock!
A
posted by Graeme Edwards on Oct 8, 2004 at 5:43pm
Here are some pictures & sound details.
http://www.martin-audio.com/edge/THE_EDGE9/page7.html
posted by Graeme Edwards on Oct 16, 2004 at 10:07pm
This is the official site for the Trust that owns the building. Lots more pictures here.
http://www.theembassytheatretrust.org.nz/
posted by Graeme Edwards on Oct 16, 2004 at 10:13pm
I am trying to see if I got this right. When 70mm was installed the screen was hung high and the orchestra was not used? Then they built two new cinemas under the balcony?
posted by RobertR on Oct 17, 2004 at 6:23am
This lovely theatre is protected by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust with a Grade 1 listing.
posted by Rex on Apr 7, 2005 at 8:08pm
A recent exterior photograph of the Embassy Theatre with a "Lord of the Rings" 'extra':
http://community.webshots.com/photo/60925436/60925436HBofFw
posted by KenRoe on Jan 17, 2006 at 1:41pm
Here is a photo of the Embassy Theater. I hope they caught the guy trying to sneak in through the roof. LOL

posted by Lost Memory on Oct 3, 2006 at 9:21am
This is an interior view of the Embassy Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Jan 22, 2007 at 2:24pm
Another photo of the Embassy Theater can be seen here.

posted by Lost Memory on Aug 21, 2007 at 8:08pm
Now operated by Sky City Cinemas, still only one screen.
posted by Bradley Knewstubb on Oct 13, 2008 at 2:17am
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