Go backstage at the Civic

The secrets and nostalgia of the

Civic Theatre are set to be revealed with tours being offered to the public.

The historic and prestigious building in downtown Auckland will be open to 45 minute guided tours that’ll give people a chance to explore the building’s 88-year history.

Opening in 1929, the Civic’s eastern styled design and artwork was originally intended to make people feel as if they had escaped Auckland to a foreign land.

Auckland Live’s Bryce Gibson, who is set to become a Civic guide, said he fell in love with the building when he first visited in 1969.

‘‘I’ve always been fascinated by the building. People see it and they don’t understand why it looks like it did, how it evolved and its history,’’ Gibson said.

‘‘Those are things that I’ve picked up, been interested in and I’d like to share with people.’’

Gibson said the Civic had always been a place that could transport people from a rainy Auckland day into a ‘‘neon-lit wonderland’’.

The 2300 seat theatre had a $42 million restoration in the late 90s.

The tour would grant access to parts of the theatre usually reserved for performers and technicians.

Auckland Live director Robbie McCrae said demand for the tours has been growing.