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.
Sculpture Festival 2024
Sculptural pieces by some of the country’s best artists in ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, glass and mixed media, on show and on sale.
Find out moreOpening talk and tour with Emily Hartley-Skudder: 'Meet Me in the Bathroom'
Saturday 19 October 2024 Ground floor, Boys’ High
Please join Emily Hartley-Skudder in conversation with art historian Barbara Garrie about Emily's new site-wide exhibition in the entranceways to the bathrooms throughout The Arts Centre
Free
Christchurch Heritage Festival 2024 at The Arts Centre
Saturday 12 October - Monday 28 October (Labour Day) 2024 Arts Centre wide
Join us in exploring the heritage of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre over the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2024.
Altiora Live
Thursday 7, 14, 21 & 28 November The Gym
Thursday night pub gigs. A different band and style each week.
Observatory Tower and Exhibition Tours
Sunday 13, 20 and 27 October 2024 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
Rising Stars Concert Series 2024
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.
70s Big Band Blast
Sunday 27 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
Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2024
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.
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.
Halloween
Thursday 31 October 2024 Engineering
Get ready for a spooktacular evening of fun at the Kids’ Halloween Disco, hosted in the eerily haunted Arts Centre.
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.