Marama Hall, Dunedin

Marama Hall is a historic and culturally significant building. Originally built in 1916 as the university鈥檚 first medical school library, the hall has since evolved into a dedicated space for musical performance and academic use. Its name, "Marama," comes from the M膩ori word for 鈥渓ight鈥� or 鈥渕oon,鈥� reflecting the institution鈥檚 commitment to intellectual and cultural illumination. Today, it serves as one of the primary performance venues for the university鈥檚 School of Performing Arts.

Architecturally, Marama Hall stands out with its restrained Edwardian design, characterized by red brickwork, symmetrical lines, and simple detailing. Though modest in scale compared to some of the university鈥檚 grander stone buildings, the hall exudes a quiet dignity. Its interior features a small concert space with excellent acoustics, a stage area, and seating suited for recitals, chamber music, lectures, and special events. Original wood detailing and period finishes give the venue a warm, inviting character.

For visitors exploring Dunedin鈥檚 rich blend of academic and artistic life, Marama Hall offers a unique experience. The building frequently hosts public concerts and recitals by both students and visiting musicians, making it a hub of creative energy within the city. Its role in fostering local talent and showcasing classical and contemporary music adds an important layer to Dunedin鈥檚 cultural identity.

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Sight Name: Marama Hall
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

University of Otago Historical Buildings Walk

Walking Tours in Dunedin, New Zealand

Create Your Own Walk in Dunedin

Creating your own self-guided walk in Dunedin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

University of Otago Historical Buildings Walk

The University of Otago, founded in 1869, is New Zealand鈥檚 oldest university, and its early buildings remain some of the most distinctive in the country. The story of these structures is tied to Dunedin鈥檚 wider history. When gold was discovered in Otago in the 1860s, the city boomed into a wealthy provincial capital, eager to match the institutions of Europe. Education became a central part of... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Dunedin Introduction Walking Tour

Mark Twain had a way of dressing compliments in sarcasm, and when he visited Dunedin in 1895, he couldn鈥檛 resist. Looking around at the Scottish settlement on New Zealand鈥檚 southern coast, he quipped: 鈥淭he people are Scotch. They stopped here on their way from home to heaven-thinking they had arrived.鈥�

The city of Dunedin carries a name that reflects its Scottish roots. The word comes... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles

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