We’ve been nominated

for National Historic Landmark status.
There are only two in NZ so far.

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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.

View all our current and upcoming events

POSTPONED: Te Matatiki Toi Ora: The Spring of Living Art

Thursday 23 October Great Hall

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER: Join The Arts Centre and Heritage New Zealand for an evening celebrating 50 years of creativity at The Arts Centre. 

Halloween Spooktacular

Friday 31 October 2025 The Gym

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

Buy tickets
  • Children & family
  • Exhibitions & installations
  • Festivals
  • Talks & discussions
  • Free

    • 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.
  • Performances

    • A French Musical Soirée with Sonia & Nigel

    Sunday 2 November, 2025 Great Hall

    Sonia & Nigel are a multi-cultural acoustic duo featuring French-American Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals & ukulele and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar.

    Buy tickets

    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.

    Buy tickets

    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.

    Buy tickets
  • Children & family

    • Halloween Spooktacular | Family Frights (family)

    Friday 31 October 2025 The Gym

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

    Buy tickets

    Halloween Spooktacular | After Dark (R18)

    Friday 31 October 2025 The Gym

    When the sun sets, the carnival takes a darker turn…

    Buy tickets
  • Free

    • 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

  • 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.

    Frances Nation Shop

    Ground floor, Boys’ High,

    Worcester Boulevard

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