MEDIA RELEASE
18.09.2012

Hidden treasures to be revealed in Wellington

A new walking tour uncovering quirky artwork hidden in buildings around Wellington’s CBD is set to be launched by Property Council New Zealand next week, just in time for those descending on the capital for The World of Wearable Arts.

Months of planning and bargaining with building owners has resulted in 30 office block foyers and iconic landmarks in Wellington being identified, and permission sought from owners for their works of art on display to be included in the tour.

Stops along the tour will include the stunning copper and timber dome in the Supreme Court’s main courtroom, the “music has charms” mural by Piera McArthur in the City Chambers building, and the interesting Te Aro pa display containing the preserved foundations of two ponga buildings in the 1840s on Taranaki Street.

The art tour will finish at the Museum Art Hotel in Cable Street which houses over 80 pieces of contemporary artwork collected by owner Chris Parkin, as well as award-winning restaurant and bar Hippopotamus – the perfect place to end the tour. It is designed to take between two and a half to four hours.

Organised by members of Property Council’s Wellington Branch Executive and supported by Positively Wellington Tourism and engineering consultancy BECA, this tour is designed purely to showcase hidden gems in the city while building the profile of Wellington as a tourism destination. It will be a self-guided activity for visitors to the city and will offer the freedom to explore sections of the tour that works within the day, says Brent Slater, a member of the Branch Executive. “It is hoped people may stay an extra day in town to take in a new perspective of the creative arts capital.”

“Wellington has by far the greatest concentration of multi storey buildings in a New Zealand city,” said Mr Slater. “There is now an opportunity to take advantage of this geographical intensity by having building owners hang or install outstanding art works in their foyers then opening their premises to the public during normal business hours.”

Chris Parkin, owner of the Museum Art Hotel and also a member of the Wellington Executive is delighted to be part of the Secret Art Tour. “It’s another opportunity for visitors to gain a real insight into the Capital’s unique and individual nature,” Mr Parkin said. “The tour is easily navigable on foot and at no cost. It’s an outstanding initiative by Property Council as it enables us to show off our beautiful landmarks and hidden pieces of art.”

The details of this tour will be launched to 80 local art and property enthusiasts at an invitation-only event on 26 September hosted by Property Council at the Museum Art Hotel.

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