Michael Fowler Centre
With its striking architecture and dramatic auditorium, Wellington's award-winning Michael Fowler Centre is a prestigious environment for showcasing major conferences and leading performing artists.
Where
Wellington Waterfront
Home to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Wellington's main stage for leading performing artists, this much-loved part of the Wellington skyline sits right at the heart of the capital city's civic and cultural precinct.
The spacious auditorium with stunning acoustics is complemented by the Renouf Foyer and Lion Harbourview Lounge. Choose the Michael Fowler Centre auditorium as a venue for your conference, graduation, awards presentation or dinner, or one of the smaller spaces for presentations, cocktail functions and trade shows.
A striking three-level glass facade fronts a magnificent interior space, finished with Italian marble and native timbers. The architecture has seen the venue win numerous architecture awards.
The Michael Fowler Centre is within an easy stroll of major hotel accommodation, culinary delights, quirky cafes, boutique shopping in Wellington's arts, culture and entertainment precinct.
Auditorium
The two level auditorium offers clear views of the stage from every seat. The adjustable stage size (230m²) makes this a flexible venue, ideal for a range of events including conferences, graduations, seminars and performing arts.
Finished throughout with native timbers, the stunning interior reflects sound evenly throughout the two-level auditorium with magnificent acoustics for concerts and performances.
In addition to being Wellington’s premier concert hall, the auditorium, is suitable as a conference plenary space for 1,800 delegates. The space has a warm, intimate feel even with such a large capacity.
Renouf Foyer
This versatile space, located on the first floor, offers plenty of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Equipped with mobile and catering facilities, it’s an ideal location ideal for dinners, cocktail functions, presentations and as a breakout space for conferences.
The Renouf Foyer can be used as a spacious open area, split into two separate rooms, or closed off from the adjacent foyers using retractable doors. Hardwood parquet flooring adds a sophisticated touch.
Lion Harbourview Lounge
This room is a favourite for breakfast and lunch events, as the floor-to-ceiling windows offer plenty of natural light and breathtaking views of Wellington harbour. It is also perfect for dinners and cocktail parties.
The Lion Harbourview Lounge can be used as one large space, or split into two smaller rooms — making it an ideal spot for breakout spaces or workshops as part of your conference schedule.
There were a number of things that attracted us to Wellington. We looked at cost and found that the venues, hotels, catering and travel were competitively priced, especially with the exchange rate
Simon Monk, Executive Director, ASN Events – AFAC Conference
Layout and capacity
| Auditorium | Renouf Foyer | Lion Harbourview Room |
Fletcher Challenge Foyer |
VIP Room | Frank Taplin Room |
|
| Stage area (m2) | 230 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Floor area (m2) | - | 450 | 140 | - | 36 | 144 |
| Theatre | 2209 | 400 | 140 | - | 24 | 80 |
| Classroom | - | 180 | 70 | - | - | 55 |
| Cocktail | 180 | 500 or 1000 | 180 | - | 20 | - |
| Banquet | 140 | 300 | 140 | - | 20 | 60 |
| Performance | 2209 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Exhibition stands | - | 28 | - | 22 | - | - |
Talk to us about the Michael Fowler Centre
Located in the heart of the Wellington CBD, this accessible venue can cater to your event needs, from conferences to symphony orchestra performances.
To find out more on venue options or to organise a venue site visit, get in touch with the Venues Wellington Sales Team:
