The 1925–1926 Exhibition at Logan Park
In the mid-1920s, New Zealand hosted a grand spectacle of architecture and international culture: the 1925–1926 exhibition. Held at Logan Park, this event transformed a reclaimed landscape into a hub of innovation and entertainment, drawing millions of visitors and leaving a lasting mark on the city's urban geography.
The Transformation of Logan Park
The site of the exhibition was a feat of engineering. Much of the land at Logan Park was reclaimed specifically for the event. This included the partial reclamation of a tidal inlet known as Pelichet Bay, which had previously left behind a flat area and a body of water called Lake Logan. To create sufficient space for the festivities, Lake Logan was drained and the site cleared.
Architect Edmund Anscombe was commissioned to design the exhibition's infrastructure. He created a series of magnificent pavilions arranged around a central court, which was anchored by a striking domed festival hall. In total, the exhibition grounds spanned 16 acres (6.5 ha).
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To ensure easy access for the public, a new tree-lined road was constructed to link the exhibition grounds directly to the city centre. This thoroughfare remains a significant landmark today, known as Anzac Avenue.
Attractions and International Presence
The exhibition was designed as a comprehensive destination for both education and leisure. Visitors could enjoy an amusement park featuring a quarter-mile scenic railway loop, as well as various restaurants and tearooms.
Beyond the entertainment, the event served as a showcase for regional and global achievements. Displays were presented by various New Zealand provinces, while dedicated "courts" were established for overseas nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Fiji.
Attendance and Legacy
The event was officially opened in November 1925 by the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, and remained open until the middle of 1926. The scale of its popularity was immense; despite New Zealand having a population of only 1,250,000 at the time, the exhibition recorded more than 3,000,000 paid admissions.
The momentum continued until the very end, with the final day of the exhibition seeing a record-breaking attendance of 83,935 people.
To commemorate the occasion, the New Zealand Post Office issued a set of three stamps designed by H Linley Richardson. These were among the country's first commemorative stamp issues and are notable for being among the few New Zealand stamps printed on coloured paper.
Key Facts
- Location: Logan Park, on land reclaimed from Pelichet Bay and Lake Logan.
- Architect: Edmund Anscombe.
- Total Area: 16 acres (6.5 ha).
- Total Visitors: Over 3,000,000 paid admissions.
- Peak Attendance: 83,935 visitors on the final day.
- International Participants: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Fiji.
- Infrastructure Legacy: The creation of Anzac Avenue.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | November 1925 |
| Closing Date | Mid-1926 |
| Key Infrastructure | Domed festival hall and pavilions |
| Major Attraction | Quarter-mile scenic railway loop |
| Commemoration | Three stamps designed by H Linley Richardson |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the buildings for the exhibition?
The exhibition buildings, which included a central domed festival hall and various pavilions, were designed by architect Edmund Anscombe.
How was the land at Logan Park prepared for the event?
The site was created through land reclamation, which involved reclaiming parts of Pelichet Bay and draining Lake Logan to provide a flat area for construction.
Which countries had dedicated courts at the exhibition?
The exhibition featured international courts set up by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Fiji.
How many people visited the exhibition?
More than 3,000,000 people paid for admission, a remarkable figure considering the national population was only 1,250,000 at the time.
What is the lasting physical legacy of the exhibition in the city?
One of the most prominent legacies is Anzac Avenue, the tree-lined road built to connect the city centre with the exhibition grounds.
What was unique about the commemorative stamps issued for the event?
Designed by H Linley Richardson, these stamps were among New Zealand's first commemorative issues and were among the few in the country's history to be printed on coloured paper.