Formal opening of the Library
A gala evening on 24 August 2026 hosted by City of Christchurch Trust and attended by some 120 guests, witnessed the re-opening of the Old Municipal Chambers by Deputy Mayor Victoria Henstock, and the official opening of the Frank Worsley Antarctic Research Library by co-Patron, Emeritus Professor Peter Barrett.
Professor Barrrett also presented an historic United States 48-star flag flown at Camp Minnesota during the 1962-63 Ellsworth Mountains Expedition. He said it was a reminder of the collaboration between US and NZ researchers and reflecting the spirit of international partnership under the Antarctic Treaty System.
Sam Rofe, Chair of City of Christchurch Trust, addresses guests at the ceremony for the re-opening of the Old Municipal Chambers, 24 August 2026.
On the following night the Left Bank/Rive Gauche musicians from California, USA, presented the Frank Worsley Antarctic Research Library Inaugural Benefit Concert “Music of the Antarctic Expeditions – Capt. Cook (1770s) to the Antarctic Treaty (1959), Music’s roles in exploration, science and geopolitics”. This unique and magnificently presented evening of Historic Antarctic Music highlighted styles of music accompanying expeditions, and roles of music in exploration, science and geopolitics. The setting was superb as were the venerable quality grand piano owned by Sam Rofe and the musicianship of pianist, Nancy Whitecar.