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 2025
The 6th annual Sculpture Festival features object art, contemporary jewellery, and outdoor sculpture by New Zealand artists.
Find out moreAltiora Live
Every Friday between 19 September to 17 October (except 3 October) The Gym
Start your weekend at Altiora Live. Superb local musicians play sweet tunes, while the bartender pours drinks and food vendors serve up tasty treats.
Te Matatiki Toi Ora: The Spring of Living Art
Thursday 23 October Great Hall
Join The Arts Centre and Heritage New Zealand for an evening celebrating 50 years of creativity at The Arts Centre.
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.
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.
Halloween Spooktacular
Friday 31 October 2025 The Gym
A frightful carnival filled with games, treats, and just the right amount of Halloween mischief.
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.
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
Observatory Tower and Exhibition Tours
Sunday 12, 19 and 26 October 2025 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
Heritage Fun Zone
Sunday 12 and 19 October South Quad
Join in some outdoor heritage games and activities from the 1800s at The Arts Centre.
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.