Cromwell Venue

A space to perform discover inspire learn celebrate enjoy laugh gather create remember

Grand Opening Gala

What's On

15 March 2026

Grand Opening Gala

Auditorium

Join us for a night of celebration as we open the doors for the first time. Live performances, speeches, and a first look at Central Otago's newest venue.

View event
Our Gorge exhibition

What's On

22 March — 30 June 2026

Our Gorge: A Central Otago Story

Exhibition Hall

The inaugural exhibition at the new Cromwell Museum. Explore the landscape, heritage, and people of the Cromwell Gorge through immersive storytelling.

View event
Opening Weekend Film Festival

What's On

28 — 29 March 2026

Opening Weekend Film Festival

Cinema

A curated weekend of NZ film premieres, family favourites, and arthouse gems to christen the new community cinema.

View event
Central Otago Wine Awards

What's On

12 April 2026

Central Otago Wine & Food Awards

Function Room XL

The region's finest winemakers and producers gather for the annual awards dinner. Black tie, local wine, and a view to match.

View event

Our Spaces

Explore the venue

Six distinct spaces designed to flex, inspire, and bring people together.

Auditorium in concert mode

Auditorium

The heart of performance

300+ seat theatre with retractable seating, concert and flat-floor modes, full stage house and fly tower.
Cinema and stage space

Cinema

Your screen in the south

Community cinema with state-of-the-art projection and sound. Independent, arthouse, and blockbuster programming.

Foyer entry space

Foyer & Cafe

Where conversations begin

Generous welcoming hub with integrated cafe, seating areas, and pre-function space flowing to the terrace.

Museum entrance and exhibition space

Exhibition Hall

Stories of our place

New home for the Cromwell Museum with permanent and temporary galleries, research room, and retail space.

XL function room with views

Function Rooms

Flex to fit

Small, medium, large, and XL configurable rooms for conferences, weddings, workshops, and community groups.

Entry plaza and outdoor spaces

Memorial Garden & Plaza

Honour and gather

Contemplative memorial garden, entry plaza, and terraces with views to the Kawarau River and beyond.

What's On

Upcoming events

Opening Gala

15 March 2026

Grand Opening Gala

Auditorium

Heritage exhibition

22 March 2026

Our Gorge: A Central Otago Story

Exhibition Hall

Cinema programme

28 March 2026

Opening Weekend Film Festival

Cinema

Function room

Venue Hire

Host your next event

From intimate workshops to large-scale conferences, weddings to community gatherings — our flexible spaces are designed to accommodate your vision.

Make an Enquiry

Venue Hire

Enquiry form

Tell us about your event and we'll be in touch to discuss availability, pricing, and how we can help make it happen.

Foyer and cafe space

Cafe

Good food, good company

The venue's integrated cafe sits at the heart of the foyer — a place to meet before a show, linger after an exhibition, or simply drop in for excellent coffee and locally-sourced food. Open daily with indoor and terrace seating overlooking the memorial gardens.

Cinema

Your screen in the south

Cromwell's dedicated community cinema brings world-class film to Central Otago. From new releases and arthouse favourites to special screenings and film festivals — experience cinema as it should be, in a purpose-built space with premium sound and projection.

Cinema and stage view

The Layout

Ground floor plan

Ground floor plan of Cromwell Community Venue