Treat yourself to a slice of nostalgia in Ranfurly, discovering the restored 1930′s simple modernist art deco architecture.
History of Art Deco in Ranfurly
Following a series of disastrous and suspicious fires in the 1930′s, the inexpensive and simplistic Art Deco style was introduced to Ranfurly to replace many of the towns buildings. After the economic decline of the 1990′s, the local community was thinking of ways to attract people to Ranfurly and the buildings inspired the refurbishment of the buildings and the creation of an Art Deco Festival (see below). The Centennial Milkbar (left), a community owned, classic building of modernist design, now houses the only Art Deco Museum in the Southern Hemisphere, the Rural Art Deco Gallery.
Ranfurly Art Deco Festival
Dress in the fashion of the era, enjoy live entertainment and explore a variety of markets. Held the last weekend of February every year, Maniototos Art Deco Festival kicks off on the Friday night with a popular Art Deco Cabaret, featuring a fantastic music mix, dancing and the grand march. Saturday street festival is filled with musical entertainment (will it be Freddy Mercury or Austin Powers, Jazz or The Blues Brothers?), markets, magicians, fashion and classic car parades, fabulous food and Central Otago wines … (more)
Rural Art Deco Ranfurly Walk
An Art Deco Walk has been developed, showcasing the way in which molded shapes, relief decorations and vivid colours were used to beautify buildings. Arm yourself with the walk brochure (available at Ranfurly Information Centre), a camera and some walking shoes, set aside approximately 50 minutes and enjoy. Our own home grown community trust radio station ‘Burn 729am’ is housed in the restored Fenton Library (1926) building and enjoy a drink outside the magnificent Ranfurly Lion Hotel or a meal in their Art Deco restaurant.
