The National Tobacco Company Building in Napier is one of New Zealand’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture, combined with elements of the more ornate Art Nouveau style. Constructed in 1933, the building is famous for its elegant and highly detailed façade, which includes a striking blend of Deco and Nouveau motifs like roses, vines, and other organic patterns.
Designed by architect Louis Hay, who was heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, the building stands out with its rounded arch entrance, adorned with intricate floral designs. The building’s interior is equally impressive, featuring detailed woodwork, stained glass, and decorative plasterwork, showcasing a level of craftsmanship uncommon in industrial buildings of the time.
Originally built as the headquarters for the National Tobacco Company, the building survived the 1931 Napier earthquake and was later refurbished with Art Deco elements.
