The Art Deco Trust

Loved it loved it loved it. Fantastic, we go from the UK every 2 years and get dressed up for the weekend. So much to see, do and join in at the Art Deco Festival. It's in Feb so be prepared for the sun and heat. Vintage cars, planes and air show right over the beach. Big bands with guest singers play in the Sound Shell, there's street entertainers, dance groups and bands all for free.

We went on an Art Deco Tour, with the Art Deco Trust. As a perpetual tourist, I really enjoyed this tour, as did my Sweet Kiwi Man, who although a New Zealander, had never done a tour of this nature. We loved walking through the streets, looking up, instead of down. Some really cool things we learned were; the difference between art nouveau and art deco, (one has a lot of floral and vines, one doesn’t), all about speedlines–(which we now plan to incorporate on our new sailboat), the earthquake and incredible rebuilding effort afterwards, what some of the cool colors and geometric patterns mean–(it felt a little like The DaVinci Code!), windows, columns, entryways–it was a grand adventure and learning; and a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours in this beautiful seafront city.

A wonderful place filled with such lovely volunteers that are very willing to share their passion and history of their Art Deco city. The store is a bit of a treasure trove, you never know what you might find, there are so many bits and bobs I wanted to leave with. The short video is perfect if you've only got 20-30 minutes to spare, otherwise if definitely recommend the guided walk. It's incredibly informative and gives you so much insight to the city you've already been strolling through. I didn't get a chance to take a vintage car tour but one of the guides was kind enough to spin me around the block, and what a beautiful car it is. You feel like you've been transported back in time.

Walking tour with auditory aids for everyone, allows you to walk at your own pace without missing out on commentary. Great help with questions and souvenirs

We thought there would only be 4-5 buildings with the Art deco style, but there’s a whole district with it and it’s just so wonderful :-) Napier simply is a gem of a city and definitely worth a pit stop for a lunch/brunch and a long walk in the streets and on the boardwalk ! (You probably should take a car/bus/bike for the Tobacco Building but it’s a 100% worth it to go!!)

They have great walking tour. Our guide is deep knowledge the history of the area. Highly recommend you join their walking tour and spend time after look at surrounding building.

Our guide Mathilda is very friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable! She opened our eyes to be able to see the city back in time. You will never see the city in the same way and will find the treasure kept here by other generations from around the world after walking with her. Highly recommend the the guided walk in Napier.

Had an amazing tour with this organization. It really bought the past to life and added a lot of value to our understanding and the enormity of the earthquake in the 30's and the ensuing rebuild.They show a great little movie about the earthquake and what it changed.Also, the gift shop has a wide selection of on theme goods.Only minor comment is that there is a distinct underrepresentation of New Zealand made goods.See the buildings pointed out and explained attached.

The Art Deco Trust is situated just across from the Art Deco themed hotel, Masonic Hotel and adjacent Emporium Eatery.In addition to Art Deco style items and souvenirs, you can watch a couple of short period films here and sign up for Art Deco tours that cover the famous earthquake and redesign of Napier and other nearby communities like Hastings and Havelock North, using popular Art Deco architectural that was popular during the 1930s.In the end, we like what the Art Deco Trust stands for and recommend visitors to Napier to pay them a quick visit to show support for their conservation efforts in the local community. Well done, guys!

You must visit the Art Deco Trust when you are in town. You will get a full sense of the wonderful Art Deco atmosphere through the 1930s outfits of the staff and all decorations and souvenirs. You can also learn about the history of the 1931earthquake by a brief introduction and a film. Staff are very friendly, helpful, fun and knowledgeable. Maggie provided us with very useful information to know the town history better. The Art Deco Trust is a great place to visit!