The Christchurch Arts Centre will cross the halfway mark in its massive multimillion-dollar restoration this year.
One of its most well-known spaces, Rutherford's Den, the small, dark basement where Ernest Rutherford began experimenting, has been completely restored, with a twist.
It was in an 1870s theatre that Lord Rutherford - the Nelson farm boy who split the atom - attended lectures.
"We want people to come here and learn about Rutherford, but also be inspired about what he achieved," says Arts Centre chief executive Andre Lovatt.
It's doing that by making a 21st century comeback.
Rutherford's Den has been transformed into an interactive science museum, telling the story of Lord Rutherford.
"We also want - particularly children and young people - to be able to come in to the space and learn about some of the concepts like magnetism and the links between the work that Rutherford did in this space, and play and learn through playing," says Mr Lovatt.
Great care has been taken to restore the den's heritage, including the original timber, red brick and Oamaru features.
"You can't actually see the improvements that we've made to the structure," says Mr Lovatt. "That's the beauty of the work that's been done here. It's been done with such care and skill."
The entire Arts Centre is reopening, building by building, while a $290 million restoration is undertaken. It will hit the halfway mark at the end of this year, when nearly half of the precincts' 23 buildings will be open.
Before then, the public will get a glimpse into the mind of one of New Zealand's greatest scientists from next weekend.
Newshub.
