Majestic Theatre

The Majestic Theatre was a prominent Auckland cinema on Queen Street, opened in 1925 it originally intended to be named the Colosseum Theatre and that name was set in stone at the top of the facade. However it opened as the Majestic Theatre. Another mishap was that as construction was being completed, it was noticed that a projection box was missing on the plans. It was decided that a projection box would be situated at the rear of the stalls beneath the balcony, in a room that was intended to be the cleaners room. Initially it could hold an orchestra of 20 musicians to accompany the silent films. It had a wide stage and large screen.

In 1939 it was given an Art Deco style makeover following its takeover by the Kerridge Theatres chain and it was renamed New Majestic Theatre. It was the first theatre in the Kerridge Theatres chain to be equipped with a ‘Nibble Nook’ a popular restaurant for meals and light refreshments. It was known for its early grandeur before ending its life as an action house and having little if no maintenance, it became the ‘flea-pit cinema of the city centre. On one occasion plaster from the ceiling fell during a screening. It was closed and demolished in 1961.

It was replaced by the 246 Queen Street office complex.

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