State Cinema

Located in the coastal resort of Napier, in the Hawke’s Bay region of the North Island, the State Cinema opened in 1932 or 1933 (sources vary) during the rebuilding of the city following the devastating earthquake of February 1931. It was designed by architectectural firm Finch & Westerholm.

In keeping with the architectural fashion which evolved in the city during the reconstruction, it was built in the Art Deco style.

The auditorium featured fountain-like wall sconces illuminated with coloured lights and cut-out female silhouettes flanking the screen. Sadly, this decorative scheme was lost in the 1950’s when the proscenium was widened when CinemaScope was installed.

On 11th November 1986 the building was listed as Historic Place Category 2.

The State Cinema closed in 1996 and has since become home to a succession of businesses.

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