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.
Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026
Discover a collection of musical gems - bite-size lunchtime concerts in the magnificent Great Hall, featuring renowned musicians from classical, jazz, and popular traditions.
Find out moreWorld Buskers Festival 2026
Friday 23 January - Sunday 1 February 2026 North Quad
World Buskers Festival is back for 2026, and ready to fill Christchurch’s streets, venues, and public spaces with incredible performances!
Cubed: A Celebrity Portrait
Friday 23 - Sunday 1 February 2026 Engineering Laneway
Join Taka and Haru (father and son duo) as they create an amazing likeness of Ed Sheeran in the Engineering Courtyard
Free
Bricks of Olympus
Thursday 15 January - Sunday 19 April 2026 Chemistry
Step into Bricks of Olympus at the UC Teece Museum, an awe-inspiring LEGO® exhibition created by Jake Roos and Emily Fryer, winner and runner-up of LEGO® Masters New Zealand, Season One.
Free
SCAPE Public Art Season 2025
Friday 7 November 2025 - Sunday 1 February 2026 South Quad
Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is delighted to host five works by aspiring artists as part of SCAPE Public Art’s Season 2023.
Free
Luca Ciarla solOrkestra Jazz Violin 2.0
Thursday 5 March 2026 Great Hall
LUCA CIARLA violin, vocals, live loops and electronics.
Ale House Rock in Altiora
Every Thursday between 19 February - 10 December The Gym
ALE HOUSE ROCK - A Christchurch Pub Choir. Christchurch’s best kept noisy little secret. Monthly sessions at Altiora at The Arts centre.
Collected Memories | Time, place, and the human condition.
Thursday 6 November 2025 - Saturday 31 January 2026 Library
Collected Memories. Time, place, and the human condition, Laurence Aberhart; Jordan Barnes; Isla Huia; Hannah Kidd, and Elizabeth Moyle all respond to the theme from their own unique understanding.
Free
Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026
Specific Mondays Great Hall
Discover a collection of musical gems - bite-size lunchtime concerts in the magnificent Great Hall, featuring renowned musicians from classical, jazz, and popular traditions.
Prima Facie
Thursday 12 March 2026 Great Hall
SOMEWHERE. SOMETIME. SOMEHOW. SOMETHING HAS TO CHANGE.
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.