Galleries and Theatres

Waitakere City has an established tradition of supporting the performing and visual arts. Central to this is the existence of such places as the gallery in historic Lopdell House with its focus on contemporary art. 

The Upstairs Gallery at Lopdell House is home to the Titirangi Community Arts Council and provides an intimate exhibition space, which complements the main gallery. The building also houses Titirangi Theatre which each year presents a season of high quality drama. In nearby Glen Eden is another theatre venue - the Playhouse Theatre.

The Corban Estate Arts Centre is most recent addition to the City's cultural resources, and is located in the grounds and buildings of what was the original Corbans Winery and homestead.

Corban Estate Arts Centre

The Corban Estate Arts Centre (CEAC) is located on the historic Corban Winery Estate in Henderson, Waitakere City.

The Corban Estate Arts Centre utilizes the former winery buildings and is home to galleries which feature a changing programme of exhibitions; a gallery shop, and artist's studios.

CEAC also holds a wide range of arts and cultural events, and runs educational programmes including: adult's arts classes, children's art classes and a schools education programme.

There are approximately 15 artists working on site including painters, sculptors, and ceramic artists. The Pacific Island community also has a studio space on the estate where they run regular markets and events.

CEAC is a 1/2 hour drive (outside of rush hour) from the Auckland CBD, and within easy walking distance of the Henderson township. The Corban Estate Arts Centre is also located on the western rail line.

CEAC is open 7 days a week from 10 am - 4.30 pm, and entry to the exhibitions is free.

View the Corban Estate Arts Centre website for more information.

Contact details

426 Great North Road
(Entrance at the intersection of Great North Rd, Lincoln Rd, and Mt Lebanon Lane)
P O Box 21526
Henderson
Waitakere City
Telephone (09) 838 4455 
Facsimile (09) 838 4488
Email: info@ceac.org.nz
www.ceac.org.nz

Lopdell House

Lopdell House is a distinctive historic building in Titirangi and a focus for arts activity in Waitakere City.

The Council and community contribute to make this a successful arts venue for locals and out-of-towners. It is one of the city's most popular tourist destinations.

Built in the 1930s it is listed as a Category One heritage building with significance attributed to its historical, architectural, visual/landmark and community/cultural values.

Lopdell House Gallery

The Lopdell House Gallery is Waitakere City's regional art gallery.

The Gallery showcases the work of local, national and international artists.

Lopdell House Gallery manages the access programme to the historic home where one of New Zealand's greatest painters, Colin McCahon, lived and worked in the 1950s.

The Gallery's programme endeavours to reflect the cultural diversity of the city and each year profiles several artists from the region who are of national significance.

Contact Details

Corner Titirangi & South Titirangi Roads
Waitakere City
Auckland

Phone (09) 817 8087 
Fax (09) 817 3340
Email lopdell@lopdell.org.nz
www.lopdell.org.nz

Titirangi Theatre

Situated at the bottom level of Lopdell House, this small intimate (95 seat)  theatre has a long history of producing high quality 'serious' theatre.  

The refurbishment of this theatre has been undertaken over a period of 15 years by the theatre group. It is now a fully equipped and charming small venue. However, due to the size of the theatre, sell-out performances are not uncommon - early bookings are advised.

For more information visit see Titirangi Drama Group.

Playhouse Theatre

The Waitakere Playhouse Theatre Trust administers the Playhouse Theatre and Playhouse Theatre Incorporated is the 'home' theatre group of the building. They book sixteen weeks of the year to stage a minimum of four shows that include plays, large musicals, children's shows, pantos and other assorted theatrical entertainments. During the rest of the year, the performing arts centre is available for community and corporate hire.

Playhouse Theatre offers venue hire for shows, seminars, film and video production, workshops, photo shoots, private functions and a multitude of uses. Its features include:

• An elegant foyer and front of house supper room
• Air-conditioned, 240 seat auditorium including a 38 seat balcony
• 120 square metre stage incorporating a 6 metre motorised revolve
• Optional orchestra pit
• Large green room with disability lift to stage
• 2 to 4 spacious dressing rooms with adjacent showers and toilets
• Lighting, sound and curtain rigs
• Adjacent costume/props hire

If you are looking for somewhere to stage your next show or event, Playhouse Theatre in Glen Eden could be just the right venue for you.

For theatre information contact the theatre manager:

Phone: (09) 818 5751
Fax: (09) 813 9343
Mobile: 021 215 1271
Email: enquiries@playhousetheatre.org.nz
Website: www.playhousetheatre.org.nz