Story: Theatres, cinemas and halls

Princess Theatre interior

Princess Theatre interior

After Dunedin's Princess Theatre burnt down it was replaced  by a grander building in 1876. This view of the auditorium looks across the dress circle towards a fanciful proscenium arch. The space is dominated by an ornate, domed ceiling supported by decorative pillars. Hanging from the dome's centre is a large chandelier. The opulence of the interior reinforced the fantastical experience of theatre-going.

Using this item

Hocken Library, University of Otago
Reference: S12-232h

Permission of the Hocken Library Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago, must be obtained before any re-use of this image. Further information may be obtained from the Library through its website.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Ben Schrader, 'Theatres, cinemas and halls - Colonial period', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/42371/princess-theatre-interior (accessed 13 May 2024)

Story by Ben Schrader, published 22 Oct 2014