Story: Wellington region

Civic Square (2nd of 2)

Civic Square

Inspired by the public squares of Europe, in the early 1990s the Wellington City Council decided to build its own. It was sited between the town hall and central library (now City Gallery Wellington). A new library and administration block was built on the western side of the square, with a wide bridge leading to the waterfront from the eastern end. A globe-like sculpture of interlaced silver ferns by artist Neil Dawson was strung over the space, providing a focal (and talking) point. Civic Square draws office workers at lunchtime and crowds for political and cultural events.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Jock Phillips

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Chris Maclean, 'Wellington region - Arts and culture', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13394/civic-square (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Chris Maclean, updated 1 Aug 2015