Sculpture Festival 2025

Join us for the 6th annual Sculpture Festival - a vibrant showcase of object art, contemporary jewellery, and outdoor sculpture by some of Aotearoa’s most exciting artists.

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Te Matatiki Toi Ora: The Spring of Living Art

A showcase of 50 years of creativity through performances and kōrero.

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Rising Stars 2025

An emerging young musicians lunchtime concert series.

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Great Hall Lunchtime Concerts 2025

An annual line-up of renowned local, national, and international musicians playing a curated selection of lunchtime concerts in the picturesque Great Hall.

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The Arts Centre Shop

Shop for unique gifts and exclusive Arts Centre inspired designs by local artists.

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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.

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.


Te Matatiki Toi Ora: The Spring of Living Art

Thursday 23 October Great Hall

Join The Arts Centre and Heritage New Zealand for an evening celebrating 50 years of creativity at The Arts Centre. 


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.


Ale House Rock

11 September - 11 December 2025 The Gym

Christchurch’s best kept noisy little secret is moving to Altiora at The Arts Centre for a series of monthly sessions.


Halloween Spooktacular

Friday 31 October 2025 The Gym

A frightful carnival filled with games, treats, and just the right amount of Halloween mischief.


Christchurch Heritage Festival 2025 at The Arts Centre

Saturday 11 October - Monday 27 October (Labour Day) 2025 Arts Centre wide

Join us in exploring the heritage of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre over the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2024.


Big Bands Play at The Arts Centre

Sunday 26 October North Quad

Three Big Band concerts from three Great Big Bands, all for free, celebrating 19 years of the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival.

Free


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


Heritage Fun Zone

Sunday 12 and 19 October South Quad

Join in some outdoor heritage games and activities from the 1800s at The Arts Centre.

Free


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.

Frances Nation Shop

Ground floor, Boys’ High,

Worcester Boulevard

Open 7 days, 10:00AM - 5:00PM