Tuam Street Hall and Women's Suffrage

This spot on Tuam Street in Christchurch was once home to the oldest masonry theatre in New Zealand, the Odeon Theatre. It was also one of only three purpose-built 19th-century theatres still standing in the country. The building was designed by Thomas Stoddart Lambert and completed in 1883, with its grand opening on July 20th that year, presided over by the Mayor of Christchurch, George Ruddenklau.

Originally, it was known as the Tuam Street Hall or Tuam Street Theatre. It had a substantial capacity, holding 2,200 people, with 600 of those fitting into the gallery. The stage itself was 60 feet wide and 40 feet deep. The building's architectural style was Italianate with Venetian Gothic elements.

Over the years, it saw many different uses, serving as a public meeting place, an entertainment venue, hosting exhibitions, and even functioning as a roller skating rink. One of its most significant historical uses was in 1893 when Kate Sheppard used it for her women's suffrage campaign. This was the same year the Electoral Act was passed on September 19th, granting New Zealand women the right to vote, making them the first in the world to achieve this.

The New Zealand Historic Places Trust recognized it as a Category I heritage building in 1981. Sadly, the theatre sustained irreparable damage in the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake and was partially demolished in September 2012. Before its destruction, it had been renovated in 1927 by architect Sidney Luttrell, and at different times, it was also known as the Opera House.