Monde Marie
Descriptive Data
TypeAgencyParallel NameMonde Marie coffee barDate Range1958-1970DescriptionStanding in the corner of Roxburgh and Majoribanks, the Monde Marie was a central hub for Wellington’s left-wing folk scene from 1958 until its closing in 1970. The Monde was opened by Mary Seddon, daughter of New Zealand Premier Richard Seddon (1893-1906) and was designed in the European style familiar to Seddon from her time overseas post-World War II. This European influence could be seen in the building exterior’s vertical ‘Marie’s’ sign, and in the café’s name which translated from French to “Mary’s World”.
The bohemian interior included painted and collaged murals, draped fishing nets, and a candelabra made of wine bottles. Musicians were paid a pound per hour (plus food) and they performed from booths rather than a stage, projecting their unamplified voices into the lively café atmosphere.
Although the primary clientele were local and inter-city musicians and folkies, including Isabel Whatarau Cowan and Val Murphy the Monde’s reputation also attracted international artists including Ravi Shankar, Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, entertainer and banjo virtuoso Freddy Morgan, and Tom Lehrer.
The Monde closed its doors in 1970, in part because of competition from new folk bars and venues such as the Chez Paree (established inside the Embassy Theatre building in 1962), the Balladeer Coffee Tavern at 203 Willis Street, and Cuba Street’s Matterhorn which closed in 2017. New licensing laws came through in 1967, further diversifying the late-night entertainment scene by allowing pubs and hotels to stay open until 10pm. Wellington night-life was changing with the times, but the lingering influence of these bohemian folk cafés lives on in the creative corners of the capital city.
The bohemian interior included painted and collaged murals, draped fishing nets, and a candelabra made of wine bottles. Musicians were paid a pound per hour (plus food) and they performed from booths rather than a stage, projecting their unamplified voices into the lively café atmosphere.
Although the primary clientele were local and inter-city musicians and folkies, including Isabel Whatarau Cowan and Val Murphy the Monde’s reputation also attracted international artists including Ravi Shankar, Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, entertainer and banjo virtuoso Freddy Morgan, and Tom Lehrer.
The Monde closed its doors in 1970, in part because of competition from new folk bars and venues such as the Chez Paree (established inside the Embassy Theatre building in 1962), the Balladeer Coffee Tavern at 203 Willis Street, and Cuba Street’s Matterhorn which closed in 2017. New licensing laws came through in 1967, further diversifying the late-night entertainment scene by allowing pubs and hotels to stay open until 10pm. Wellington night-life was changing with the times, but the lingering influence of these bohemian folk cafés lives on in the creative corners of the capital city.
Monde Marie. Archives Online, accessed 18/07/2026, https://archivesonline.wcc.govt.nz/nodes/view/954346