The Ballroom

One of the two thrones on the dais in the Ballroom.

The Ballroom is the largest room in Government House, Wellington. It is used for receptions, concerts, balls, investitures and other award ceremonies, as well as for large formal dinners and occasionally formal balls.

At one end is the dais on which stand the two thrones. Above these hangs a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, painted by Denis Fildes.   The Ballroom also features a large portrait of Queen Victoria, which is on permanent loan from Queen Elizabeth, and which formerly was on display at Windsor Castle.

Other features of the Ballroom include the two Czech crystal chandeliers bought in 1966 at the prompting of Lady Fergusson, during Sir Bernard Fergusson's term of office (1962-67), and the Peter McIntyre Screen, commissioned by Lady Freyberg in 1951, which depicts Wellington Harbour by day on one side, and by night on the other.