Welcome to Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre
Dating back to 1877, The Arts Centre is a thriving community with a rich history
Located in Ōtautahi Christchurch, The Arts Centre is run by an independent charitable trust and comprises the largest collection of heritage buildings in the country. It is home to over 70 entities including galleries, museums, cinemas, boutique retailers, artisan eateries and bars, accommodation, engaging events, stunning venues and much more.
School Holiday Fun
Lollies, LOL’s and loads of fun! Enjoy music, movies, drama, crafts, puppets and more.
Find out moreGreat Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2025
Specific Mondays Great Hall
Your annual line-up of renowned local, national, and international musicians playing a curated selection of lunchtime concerts in the picturesque Great Hall.
Running into the Sun
Tuesday 9 September - Sunday 14 September 2025 Cloisters Studio
Get ready for a 60 minute whirlwind performance at the Christchurch Arts Centre with two actors, a three piece jazz band and four contemporary dancers.
Altiora Live
Every Friday between 19 September to 17 October (except 3 October) The Gym
Start your weekend at Altiora Live. Superb local musicians play sweet tunes, while the bartender pours drinks and food vendors serve up tasty treats.
Book (Fight) Club
Sunday 28 September, Friday 17 October & Sunday 23 November 2025 Cloisters Studio
It's a book club.
It's a fight club.
It's a book fight club.
Observatory Tower and Exhibition Tours
Sunday 12, 19 and 26 October 2025 Observatory, Biology and Physics
Join a guided tour of the Observatory Tower and hear the stories of how it was used from 1896 to today
Sculpture Festival 2025
Sat 4 - Sun 19 October 2025 Great Hall
The 6th annual Sculpture Festival features object art, contemporary jewellery, and outdoor sculpture by New Zealand artists.
Free
School Holiday Fun
September 20 - October 5 2025 Arts Centre wide
Lollies, LOL’s and loads of fun! Enjoy music, movies, drama, crafts, puppets and more.
Big Bands Play at The Arts Centre
Sunday 26 October North Quad
The All Girl Big Band and Sideline Swing will take you right back to the Christchurch Commonwealth Games era as they play music hits from the 70s.
Free
Rising Stars Concert Series 2025
On specific Tuesdays Great Hall
Rising Stars is a Tuesday lunchtime concert series that focuses on encouraging, nurturing and providing a performance platform for emerging young musicians.
What's Here
New Zealand-made homewares and gifts.
Frances Nation is a store specialising in Aotearoa New Zealand-made homewares and gifts of quality craftsmanship, authenticity and longevity.