The Gym in 1908

A big thank you to Charlie Gates for sending this beautiful image of The Gym the year it was built. Originally the gymnasium for Christchurch Boy's High School (which occupied the buildings next door), it eventually became the home of Academy Cinema in 1976 when the university gifted the wider site to the city when it relocated to Ilam. The Academy occupied the building until the earthquakes of 2011 closed the entire site. As part of the restoration of the Arts Centre, the building was stripped back to its original form and strengthened. Free Theatre has occupied the building since September 2014.

Interior of Gymnasium, Christchurch Boys High School, Christchurch. Webb, Steffano, 1880-1967 : Collection of negatives. Ref: 1/1-004026-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23100780