The Century Theatre at MTG Hawke’s Bay is Napier’s intimate 330-seat live performance and cinema venue — built in 1977 to commemorate Napier’s first century as a city, and now the active performance space at the heart of the MTG (Museum Theatre Gallery) complex on Herschell Street. The theatre hosts live theatre, chamber music, talks, film festivals, the MTG Movie Club and a range of community and visiting performances throughout the year.
Practical Information
| Address | 9 Herschell Street, Napier — within the MTG Hawke’s Bay complex |
| Capacity | 330 seats with tiered seating |
| Built | 1977 — designed by architect Guy Natusch to commemorate Napier’s first century as a city |
| Use | Live theatre, chamber music, talks, film screenings, film festivals, performance hire |
| Facilities | Air-conditioning, theatre bar, Steinway piano, modern audio-visual |
| Foyer | Century Theatre Foyer seats 50 — smaller event space |
| Hire | Available for private and corporate events via MTG venue hire |
| Booking | Performance tickets via iTicket; venue hire via MTG |
About the Century Theatre
The Century Theatre is a modernist concert chamber designed by Napier architect Guy Natusch — the same architect who designed the original Napier War Memorial Centre on Marine Parade. The theatre was built in 1977 to commemorate Napier’s first century as a city, sitting alongside what was then the Hawke’s Bay Museum & Art Gallery. In the 2013 MTG redevelopment, the theatre was integrated into the wider Museum Theatre Gallery complex.
The 330-seat tiered seating layout creates an intimate listening environment — well-suited to chamber music, spoken-word performances, talks, smaller theatrical productions and film screenings. Acoustic quality is good for unamplified music; the in-house Steinway piano makes the theatre a popular venue for solo recitals and chamber music programmes.
What’s On
| MTG Movie Club | Regular curated film programme — current and classic films |
| Resene Architecture & Design Film Festival | Annual film festival hosted at the Century Theatre |
| Chamber music | Regular solo recital and ensemble performances |
| Theatre productions | Local and visiting theatre companies |
| Talks and lectures | Public talks, author events, lectures |
| Film festivals | Regional and national film festivals |
| Community events | Local school and community performances |
See the MTG Hawke’s Bay What’s On page or iTicket for current performances and ticketing.
Combined With MTG
Because the Century Theatre is integrated into the MTG complex, many visitors combine theatre or film attendance with a museum or gallery visit (MTG entry is free). The MTG café operates during museum hours and serves theatre-goers before performances. Free street parking is available along Marine Parade and the surrounding streets.
What Visitors Often Say
Theatregoers and film-festival regulars consistently describe the Century Theatre at MTG as Napier’s most intimate live performance venue — the 330-seat tiered seating creates good sightlines and acoustic quality, particularly for chamber music and spoken-word performances. The in-house Steinway piano gets specific mention as why touring musicians programme Napier.
The most common practical tips: book performance tickets via iTicket well ahead — the small venue means popular shows sell out quickly. The MTG Movie Club programme is consistently mentioned as good value for film fans, and the integrated MTG museum means you can combine a film or performance with the free museum exhibitions in the same visit.
Where to Learn More
MTG Hawke’s Bay — Theatre programme — current and upcoming performances at the Century Theatre.
iTicket — MTG Hawke’s Bay — ticketing for Century Theatre performances and events.
MTG Hawke’s Bay — Venue Hire — for hiring the Century Theatre and Foyer for private or corporate events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Century Theatre?
9 Herschell Street, Napier — within the MTG Hawke’s Bay complex.
How many seats does the Century Theatre have?
330 seats with tiered seating, creating an intimate listening environment.
When was the Century Theatre built?
1977 — designed by architect Guy Natusch to commemorate Napier’s first century as a city.
What’s on at the Century Theatre?
Live theatre, chamber music, talks, the MTG Movie Club, film festivals and community performances. Check MTG Hawke’s Bay What’s On for current programming.
How do I book Century Theatre tickets?
Performance tickets are sold via iTicket through the MTG Hawke’s Bay venue page.
Can I hire the Century Theatre for an event?
Yes — available for private and corporate events via MTG venue hire. The adjacent Century Theatre Foyer seats 50 for smaller events.
Does the Century Theatre have a piano?
Yes — an in-house Steinway piano makes the theatre a popular venue for chamber music and solo recitals.
For more Napier cultural venues, see the historical and cultural sites hub. The Century Theatre is part of the MTG Hawke’s Bay complex with free museum and gallery entry.
