A national centre of musical excellence

A creative quarter with musical excellence and public engagement at its heart will be developed in Wellington—creating a national treasure in New Zealand's capital city.

A vision is taking shape for a vibrant and innovative music centre that will support greater access to music and the arts for all. This will be a unique collaboration between Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa—New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO), and the Wellington City Council.

The new centre will be based in and around the refurbished Wellington Town Hall, which will offer a vibrant community facility ideally placed to engage with the people of Wellington and New Zealand. It will be a national space for musical innovation and collaboration and will be the only facility in New Zealand with world-class acoustics and state-of-the-art orchestral sound recording facilities.

Wellington Town Hall interior from the top level balcony.

An exceptional opportunity

This national centre for music is a unique opportunity to transform New Zealand’s arts scene by facilitating connections between professional musicians, students, community groups, and arts organisations.

About the project

Exciting moment for the University

“This project will enliven the civic centre and bring new audiences for musical activities. It will give our students opportunities to work with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and form other industry connections.”

Professor Sarah Leggott,
Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Making this vision a reality

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra are embarking on a joint fundraising initiative, seeking support to realise this vision with a comprehensive fundraising campaign led by former Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast CNZM.

Your support
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra playing string instruments at a performance
Town hall stairs

Bringing the Town Hall back to life

“Wellington is a city of vision, a capital of equality and opportunity, and home to residents whose ingenuity and resilience has forged a reputation of ‘consequence’. This national centre of musical excellence and learning in the heart of Wellington will undoubtedly attract and influence future generations of local, New Zealand, and international artists.”
Andy Foster, Former Mayor of Wellington

Music student plays cello with grand piano accompaniment

News and events

Keep up to date with the latest news around the national music centre and find out what's on.

What's on
Cello

A bold and exciting collaboration

“A purpose-built home will transform the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. We will be able to offer a wider range of performances, recordings and broadcasts. This is a bold and exciting collaboration that will make music accessible to many more audiences.”
Peter Biggs CNZM, Chief Executive, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra