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.
Festive Fun 2025
Make The Arts Centre your home for holiday cheer, with live performances, singalongs, workshops and a sleigh-load of Christmas magic for the whole whānau.
Find out moreFestive Holiday Fun Zone and Brick Building
Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 December 2025 North Quad
Enjoy a relaxed family day out with free, drop-in entertainment for the kids. Let them burn off energy with outdoor games, then cool off indoors with festive LEGO building.
Free
Silversmiths' Guild Annual Exhibition 2025
Tuesday 09 to Sunday 21 December 2025 First floor, Boys’ High
Discover something truly special for Christmas at the Silversmiths' Guild of Canterbury Art and Jewellery Exhibition and Sale.
Free
Joy in Miniature
Saturday 13 - Sunday 21 December 2025 Engineering
Hand-build and decorate mini Christmas ornaments and gifts in this creative porcelain workshop for ages 12–16. Each piece will be carefully fired after the workshop.
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
World 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!
Bricks of Olympus
Thursday 15 January - Sunday 20 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
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.
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.