Garrison Hall murals open to public

A pair of mystery murals discovered in Port Chalmers last month will be revealed to the public tomorrow.

The 20.4m by 3.6m murals were found behind hardboard wall linings during demolition work inside the Garrison Hall.

It is believed they were created in 1892 for a Japanese-themed festival held in the hall.

"The hall has been closed to the community, because it was a work site. But, now there's a chance for everyone to see the murals before the building is demolished," architectural conservator Guy Williams said this week.

"We hope at least parts will be salvageable. It's not great art, but it's pretty significant in terms of Port Chalmers history."

The open day will be held at Garrison Hall from 1pm-3pm.

The Dunedin City Council, Historic Places Trust, Dunedin Public Art Gallery and Otago Settlers Museum are still deciding the future of the murals.

"The fact it is still there is pretty unusual. The Historic Places Trust say there is nothing on their records like it," Mr Williams said. "It will be all lit up, so people can see it."

- nigel.benson@odt.co.nz

 

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