Top 10 Interesting Facts about Steampunk HQ

Steampunk HQ, New Zealand. Photo by Christine Wagner on Wikimedia

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Steampunk HQ

Steampunk HQ is a renowned art collaboration and gallery in the historic restricted area of Oamaru, New Zealand. The Steampunk HQ was officially opened in November 2011.

The HQ celebrates its very own industrial take on steampunk. This is done via an array of contraptions and sculptures that are complemented by audio-visual installations.

These installations are usually in two darkened rooms which are part of the building’s basement. There is also a yard in the Steampunk HQ that contains a huge collection of other industrial parts and projects in various stages of completion.

Steampunk is a subgenre derived from science fiction which incorporates retro-futuristic technology and aesthetics. They are inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery.

Steampunk HQ is located on the former Meeks Grain Elevator building. This building is historic and it is registered building the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category Two structure.

Below are the Top 10 Interesting Facts about Steampunk HQ;

1. It is Located in a Historic Building

Steampunk HQ might not be that popular to many people across the world, but those who love this genre understand it well. The location of Steampunk HQ is well renowned in New Zealand.

It is located in the former Meeks Grain Elevator Building. The former Meeks Grain Elevator building is a historic building in the historic restricted area of Oamaru, New Zealand.

This building has been registered under the New Zealand Historic Places Trust in the Category Two structure.

2. A Coin-operated Steampunk Railway Engine Greets Visitors

The steampunk HQ building in Oamaru. Photo by Bryce Edwards on Wikimedia

The area and building where the Steampunk HQ is located are very unique in every aspect. The outside of the imposing free-standing stone building is a spectacular object that welcomes visitors.

A coin-operated Steampunk railway engine is used to greet the visitors who come to this area. The engine is in the NZR DS class diesel locomotive.

It has been heavily modified with several lights, engine and train whistle noises and fire breathing out of the chimney. This is a spectacular way of welcoming visitors to the Steampunk HQ.

3. The Exterior Walls of the Steampunk HQ are Decorated Delightfully

Visitors are not only welcomed by the impressive Steampunk railway engine that is more attractive. The exterior of the Steampunk HQ is even more attractive.

As is expected, the exterior walls of the building where the Steampunk HQ is located describe what is expected inside. The walls are decorated with creations such as the giant flies which are made from metal and other industrial parts. This astonishing and impressive piece of artwork is very attractive and gives the visitors more anxiety about what is within the walls.

4. The Interior Presents a Theme of a Dark Vision of the Future

Mad scientist’s desk at Steampunk HQ. Photo by Pseudopanax on Wikimedia

Steampunk lovers usually know what to expect while inside the art collaboration and art centre. Any new fans of this genre can be frightened when they visit the Steampunk HQ for the first time.

Getting inside the building is more fantastic with the themed work. The gallery presents a clear theme of a dark post-apocalyptic vision of a future “as it might have been”.

5. There are Several Contraptions and Bizarre Machinery at the HQ

The art collaboration and gallery of the Steampunk are not that attractive to those who do not appreciate it. From the welcoming to the drawing on the Steampunk HQ building wall, there is a clear indication of bizarre things within.

Inside the Steampunk HQ, there are contraptions and bizarre machinery. They feature heavy use of copper, gears, pipes, gas cylinders and ensembles of skeletal sculptures.

These Steampunk are lit by flickering lights which are accompanied by projectors and background sounds. The atmosphere at the Steampunk HQ might give new visitors chills and Halloween feelings.

6. There are Two Large Darkened Rooms and a Basement holding Various Machines

Bizarre steampunk-related collection at Steampunk HQ. Photo by Pseudopanax on Wikimedia

Steampunk HQ holds quite a variety of items. The building of the HQ is divided into several parts.

There are two large rooms which are darkened. A basement is also within the Steampunk HQ building.

Part of the basement houses a variety of Steampunk items. Some of these include old industrial and medical machines. These are remade into aetheric devices.

7. Steampunk HQ has Various Exhibits including Large Machines in a Yard

The Steampunk HQ houses quite a several exhibits. Some are kept within the building and others in a yard behind the back door.

The exhibits held within the building include a steam tractor, periodically emitting steam and a boat that has a grim reaper. At the back door, there is a huge yard.

This yard contains larger machines which are undergoing various stages to become Steampunk. An example of the items includes a train carriage that is being converted into a fortified steam engine.

The other one is an Aethertractor and a variety of junk waiting to be ingredients for use. This yard is one of the largest Steampunk yards.

8. Steampunk HQ was Rated as New Zealand’s Best Tourist Attraction Site

The steampunk HQ building in Oamaru. Photo by Bryce Edwards on Wikimedia

It is not that easy to believe that there are several fans of Steampunk items across the world. In New Zealand, tourists flock to the Steampunk HQ to tour and view the gallery and artwork.

In 2012, Steampunk HQ was voted as one of New Zealand’s best new tourist attractions site. This is because of the large numbers of tourists who visit this area to view the large Steampunk items.

9. The HQ is always Opened Seven Days a Week all Year Except Christmas Day

To ensure that the tourists are comfortable and enjoy their visits, the Steampunk HQ administrators have a very unique schedule of operation. The area is usually open all seven days of the week.

Steampunk HQ is regularly opened all year except during the Christmas Day holidays. The workers at the HQ are given shifts to avoid being extremely worked out.

10. An Annual Steampunk NZ Festival is Usually Held Annually

The fans of Steampunk get special treatment annually. There is always a Steampunk NZ festival each year.

The festival is usually held every Queen’s Birthday weekend in early June. This festival period continues for three more days with several other activities including Fashion Show and Ball taking place.

Steampunk HQ is a place several people are always eager to visit and have cool moments. However, this place is not for the light-hearted and those who are not courageous.