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.
Matariki 2026
Let creativity be a guiding star this Matariki. Celebrate Matariki with talented artists from Ōtautahi & beyond, featuring live performances, visual art, kapa haka, night mākete and more.
Find out moreJazz Club 2026
Thursdays between 9 July - 1 October 2026 Great Hall
Set to ignite the colder months with rhythm and soul, The Arts Centre Jazz Club returns for its third year.
Kapa Haka with Ngā Toi o Te Rangi
Sunday 12 July 2026 Great Hall
Bring the whole whānau for a taste of this ancient and living Māori artform. Complete with opportunities for audience participation, Ngā Toi o Te Rangi always bring the house down.
Kihikihi - He Kūaha Whetū (2026)
Saturday 4 July - Sunday 12 July Cloisters Studio
Jamie Berry's video loop invokes the kihikihi (cicada) as a symbol of time, renewal, and endurance. Be gently transported through He Kūaha Whetū - a doorway to the stars.
Free
SOLD OUT: Manu Tukutuku (Traditional Kite Making) Wānanga
Saturday 11 July 2026 Common Room
Nau mai, haere mai ki tēnei Manu Tukutuku (Traditional Māori Kite Making) Wānanga hosted by Te Whare Tapere. Embrace this chance to learn one of the many forms of Māori kite making. All ages welcome,
Whetū Harakeke Sessions with Kahu Collective
Sunday 12 July 2026 School of Art
Tamariki can learn how to work with harakeke to create a whetū (star) with Kahu Collective. This gentle, hands-on activity is ideal for ages 8-12.
Matariki 2026
Saturday 4 - Sunday 12 Hōngongoi July 2026 Arts Centre wide
Let creativity be a guiding star this Matariki. Celebrate Matariki with talented artists from Ōtautahi & beyond, featuring live performances, visual art, kapa haka, night mākete and more.
Heritage Stargazing 2026
Every Friday night during Winter, 10 April - 25 September 2026 Observatory, Biology and Physics
Experience stargazing through the Townsend Teece Telescope in the Observatory Tower (1896) with astronomers from the University of Canterbury.
Whiria te aho (weave the threads)
Saturday 4 July - Sunday 12 July First floor, Boys’ High
Exhibition of traditional and contemporary weaving using natural and introduced fibres. All objects are by members of the Ōtautahi Weavers' collective based at Rehua Marae.
Free
School Holidays July 2026
Saturday 4 - Sunday 19 July 2026 Arts Centre wide
Some school holiday events and activities to keep the kids entertained this winter.
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.