The now exposed walls and floors of the Hawke's Bay Opera House have revealed once-hidden treasures that tell a story of the 100-year-old building.
A boxing bout card number, coming attraction signs, old fuses, a cigarette tin and wooden match box, and an odd light bulb on a stick contraption are among the finds.
More is expected to turn up while work continues, as part of the earthquake strengthening.
One of the other 'finds' the builders enjoy is discovering the many hidden spaces and old stairways from previous layouts that have changed over the years, said Gemco construction manager Eddie Holmes.
"You can trace a buildings history as you remove walls; it is really interesting to see the decisions made over 100 years."