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De luxe Embassy Theatre

Surviving modern multiplexes

The de luxe Embassy Theatre is New Zealand’s grandest picture palace and was fully refurbished inside and out just in time for the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings – The Return of the King.

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More than just a cinema - Image taken from WellingtonNZ.com

Built in 1924, The Embassy is a Wellington icon and landmark situated at the head of New Zealand’s most famous entertainment precinct – Courtenay Place – drawing people from throughout the region and beyond to see all the latest movies in a real cinema environment that is lost in the modern multiplexes.

The Embassy was fortunate to not succumb to the demolition ball like most other picture palaces and fortunately had retained many fine features such as marbled staircases, wrought iron handrails, original tiled foyers and exquisite plastered ceilings despite many upgrades over the decades.

Living up to its reputation as being more than just a cinema, within its stylish foyers, the Embassy houses Blondini’s Café & Bar – Wellington’s pre-eminent live jazz venue which draws big crowds on the weekends for something that is both special and unique as it overlooks the nightlife of Courtenay Place.

Source: wotzon.

Contact information

  • De luxe Embassy Theatre
  • 10 Kent Terrace
  • PO Box 27 343
  • Wellington
  • NZ