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MUSEUM and THEATRE
Avenue Road, Foxton
Open - Weekends 2 - 4 pm and at other times by arrangement.
The Museum
Casual callers are welcomed, however it is best to telephone first to ensure someone with technical knowledge is on hand to show you around. The Museum comprises a selection of : Cinematographis : Photographis : Projection : Camera : Radio : Electronics : Communications : Audio-Visual Equipment : Sound archives of recorded tape and records.
The Museum is a changing enterprise, with new material coming into display and various modifications taking place from time to time. It represents a unique cross section of NZ history.
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Museum Theatre
The theatre seats 200 people and is available for hire by approved groups.
Film sessions for economic reasons require a minmum number of patrons. Contact us for details.
Film programmes can be varied according tp group choices and type. This could include selections from our Cartoons : Historical Documentaries : Collections. Our catalogue is vast, you need to discuss your prefences with our Managers.
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ADMISSION FEES
MUSEUM only : $5 - - - - - FILM only : $7 - - - - - MUSEUM & FILM : $10
Group Tours / Films : minimum 20 persons
School Groups : $2 child - minders FREE (in the Museum we prefer 1 to 6 children)
"BLAST FROM THE PAST"
The last Friday of each month is the time to enjoy an evening of nostalgia.
Films from our archives are screened at 7pm.
Check the 'EVENTS' page for latest information.
Bookings and Enquiries: Phone the museum: (06) 363 5910
or Bob / Jan Saunders: 027 584 9082, a/h (06)363 6669
Email the museum: mavtech@xtra.co.nz : or Email Bob / Jan: jl.saunders@xtra.co.nz
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Short history of the site
In 1911 the Foxton Borough Council built the Coronation Hall on this site. When this was destroyed by fire in 1926 it was replaced by the present building and renamed "The Town Hall". It was used for many public functions and also as a picture theatre from 1911 until the present.
The building was rescued from the bulldozers by the actions of the then Foxton Borough Council and Peter Edwards the founder in conjunction with a number of friends.
The Hall was cleaned and decorated circa 1990 to near its original style. The original seating, collected from various other theatres, since demolished or refurbished, was installed in the circle for the theatre patrons. The building has been recently been repainted again with Earthquake Strengthening added.
The theatre uses projection equipment from the 1940's employing carbon arcs as the light source for the 35mm systems and an original valve sound system supported by slightly more modern stage lighting controls. 16mm projectors are also installed and operational and are used mainly for special films and a vriety of cartoons.
The collection in total represents many years of work by the Founder Peter Edwards. Peter was active in the Museum until a board of Trustees took over the running. The Trustees hope that the Museum will contribute to the locality as a Tourist Attraction and to Education.
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