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.
Jazz Club 2025
Combining an unforgettable venue with music that sparkles, The Arts Centre Jazz Club delivers an authentic jazz lovers' experience.
Find out moreBook (Fight) Club
Sunday 27 July, 30 & 31 August 2025 Cloisters Studio
It's a book club.
It's a fight club.
It's a book fight club.
Heritage Stargazing
Every Friday night during Winter, 11 April - 26 September 2025 Observatory, Biology and Physics
Experience stargazing through the Townsend Teece Telescope in the Observatory Tower (1896) with astronomers from the University of Canterbury.
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.
Great 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.
KidsFest: Heritage Stargazing at the Observatory Tower 2025
Thu 10 & 17 July 2025 Observatory, Biology and Physics
Experience stargazing from the Observatory Tower (1896) at The Arts Centre. Join us for a short 30-minute experience to view the Southern Sky through the Victorian-era Townsend Teece Telescope.
Book launch: My throat/a shelter
Thursday 24 July Ground floor, Registry Additions
My throat/a shelter is a new publication by The Physics Room. It developed from the 2023 exhibition, curated by Amy Weng.
Free
Jazz Club 2025
26 June – 11 September 2025 Great Hall
Combining an unforgettable venue with music that sparkles, The Arts Centre Jazz Club delivers an authentic jazz lovers' experience.
Rhythm n Lines
Wednesday 25 June - Saturday 26 July 2025 First floor, Boys’ High
Contemporary fabric art by Estelle Jarvis – vibrant, textured, and one of a kind.
Free
Arts Centre Guided Walk
Wednesday to Sunday Clock Tower
Enjoy a 90-minute guided walking tour of The Arts Centre and discover the rich history of this heritage site.
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.