Isaac Theatre Royal's Ballerina Begins Her Next Chapter

 Update 22/06/2026 

Ōtautahi, Christchurch’s iconic Ballerina mural is to be preserved as the Isaac Theatre Royal begins essential exterior maintenance. Discussions on her possible replacement or recreation on another part of the building are underway.

Ōtautahi, Christchurch, The Isaac Theatre Royal announces the commencement of essential exterior maintenance and recladding works on the historic building beginning June 24, 2026. As part of this project, the beloved ballerina mural, one of the most photographed and recognised pieces of public art in Ōtautahi since the rebuild, will be covered by new essential cladding.

The Theatre wishes to reassure the public; the mural will not be painted over or destroyed. The ballerina will remain beneath the new exterior cladding, preserved as part of the building’s fabric and our city’s story.

More significantly, the Isaac Theatre Royal is actively exploring options with a desire to recreate or replace the artwork on another part of the building to continue her history at the heart of the Performing Arts Precinct for years to come.

“The Ballerina has been a part of this building and city for 12 years, and we have enormous respect for her place in our history and in the hearts of Canterbury people. While this maintenance work is unavoidable and necessary for the long-term future of the building, we are currently working on plans to recreate an image with the original artist on another part of the Theatre. RNZB has offered their full support in discussions for the Ballerina's next chapter, whether that means relocating or recreating her with the original artist.

- Greg Ward, Chief Executive, Isaac Theatre Royal

A Symbol of Ōtautahi’s Creative Spirit

The Ballerina mural was painted by internationally renowned New Zealand artist Owen Dippie in March 2014, commissioned as the centrepiece of Christchurch’s RISE Street Art Festival. Completed before the Isaac Theatre Royal reopened following its restoration after the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, the ballerina became more than a mural, she became a symbol of the city’s imagination and hope for the future.

Visible from Armagh Street on the north wall of the Theatre, she has since appeared on civic promotional material, and in thousands of photographs taken by residents and visitors alike. In 2015, a photograph featuring the Ballerina won the Christchurch City Council’s ‘Eye of Christchurch’ photography competition.

Her reach has extended well beyond Ōtautahi. Owen Dippie has noted that this work has become one of his most recognised pieces internationally and that he has been asked about it as far away as New York, where it remains a talking point to this day.

Essential Maintenance, Exciting Opportunity

The recladding of the Theatre’s exterior is a necessary and long-planned maintenance project, required to protect the heritage building. Works are scheduled to begin 24 June 2026 and are forecast to be complete by late September 2026, weather permitting.

The planned recreation or relocation cost of the artwork is currently estimated at $50,000 to $60,000. The Isaac Theatre Royal will be reaching out to its existing sponsors and partners in the first instance and warmly welcomes conversations with any organisations or individuals who share a passion for public art, live performance, and the cultural life of Ōtautahi. The Theatre sees this moment not simply as a farewell, but as an opportunity, to honour the Ballerina’s legacy on the building of which she has always called home.

The Isaac Theatre Royal has long been a proud home for dance in Aotearoa, including a cherished relationship with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. The original mural was inspired by a photograph from a RNZB programme, making her, in a sense, a performer of this very stage.

What Happens  Next

Before work begins on 24 June, the Theatre encourages anyone who wants one last look to visit the area. The Ballerina can be seen in her full glory from the upstairs window of Coffee Lovers café on New Regent Street. The Isaac Theatre Royal will also keep the public updated as it continues to explore options around the relocation or recreation of her in the weeks ahead.