City Gallery Wellington is proud to present this Wellington Heritage Festival event in partnership with Walk Tour NZ:
Entrepreneur, entertainer, madam and mayoral candidate Carmen Rupe was based in Wellington for less than fifteen years but has left us a rich legacy of memories and inspiring moments.
Join us for this free 60-minute virtual "walk tour" in the comfort of the Adam Auditorium as we trace Carmen's Wellington years (1967-1980). Virtually visit some of the remaining inner-city business locations and imagine some of those that are no longer here: Le Balcon, Carmen's International Coffee Lounge, The Peacock, Cleopatra's Coffee Lounge, Carmen's Bazaar, The Gazebo massage parlour, The Cottage brothel and Carmen's Curio Shop.
Learn about Carmen's landmark 1966 court case, her race to become Mayor of Wellington in the 1970s, and how she supported and offered a safe harbour to Wellington's Takatāpui LGBTI Rainbow communities.
Walk Tours NZ is a volunteer group that offers free, accessible, inclusive and community-focused walking tours around Wellington New Zealand highlighting the city’s rich LGBTI rainbow heritage.
Support City Gallery Wellington in continuing to offer exciting public events with a donation.
