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
Start your weekend at Altiora Live. Superb local musicians play sweet tunes, while the bartender pours drinks and food vendors serve up tasty treats.
Find out moreHolly Arrowsmith with special guests
Sunday 13 April 2025 Great Hall
After a sold out tour of New Zealand with her full band, multi award winning Songwriter Holly Arrowsmith returns to Ōtautahi for an intimate seated show in the historic Great Hall.
School Holiday Fun
12 - 27 April 2025 Arts Centre wide
Hop, skip or jump into The Arts Centre for fun-filled days of music, movies, arts, circus, dance and more.
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.
Dave Flynn Celtic Guitar Journey
Sunday 23 March, 2025 Great Hall
Dave Flynn is an award-winning Irish composer and musician, praised as ‘a masterful guitarist‘ in Sing Out! Magazine. His imaginative compositions, celebrated in the New York Times for their ‘power an
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.
Arts Centre Guided Walking Tours
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.
Ghosts On Every Corner - by Ghostcat
Saturday 29 March - Wednesday 30 April 2025 First floor, Boys’ High
A collection of 13 iconic builds from Christchurch pre-earthquake, displayed for the general public alongside a book called Ghosts On Every Corner.
Free
Open Christchurch 2025
Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 May 2025 Arts Centre wide
Open Christchurch is a one-weekend-only festival of exceptional architecture.
Cubbin Theatre
Various dates throughout 2025 Cloisters Studio
The Arts Centre's 2025 Company-in-Residence Cubbin Theatre, specialise in imaginative and interactive theatre for children.
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.