Welcome to The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora.
Dating back to 1877, The Arts Centre has a rich history and an exciting future.
Located in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch, The Arts Centre is an Aotearoa New Zealand landmark – home to galleries, museums, cinemas, boutique retailers, artisan eateries and bars, engaging events, stunning venues and much more.
Christchurch Heritage Festival 2022 at The Arts Centre
Our Stories – Milestones and Moments. Take a tour of the Observatory Tower, or hear The Pacific Underground story of their time at The Arts Centre, or a stonemason’s story about what it was like worki
Find out moreThe Pacific Underground story at The Arts Centre
Friday 21 October The Gym
Formed as a theatre group in Ōtautahi in 1992, PU remains NZ's longest running Pacific performing arts group. The diversification of added events and music shows has been led by Tanya Muagututi’a and
Free
The Arts Centre Heritage Restoration – An Exhibition Designer’s Story
Thursday 13 October First floor, Boys’ High
Hear from an Arts Centre designer currently developing a new permanent exhibition about the heritage restoration of The Arts Centre.
Free
Guided tour of the Observatory Tower
Sunday 9, 16 and 23 October 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.
Second Company presents Sit, Sit
Saturday 15 October 2022 Common Room
Sit, Sit is a one-hour show of everyday actions framed as music. We have curated an evening of performances by composers from around the world, plus a new piece made by us, Second Company.
Arts Centre Chamber Series: Green Doves and Dancing Stars
Sunday 9 October Great Hall
The first of The Arts Centre Chamber Series: Green Doves and Dancing Stars.
A Stonemason’s Story – working on the Observatory Tower
Saturday 8 October Observatory, Biology and Physics
Find out what it was like to be a stonemason, spending years deconstructing and then rebuilding the earthquake-ruined
Observatory Tower at The Arts Centre.
Free
Transforming Death Art Exhibition
11 - 16 October 2022 First floor, Boys’ High
This exhibition is the creative heart of Death Matters month where ten local artists have been invited to each create a short series of work based on their own relationship with death, loss or grief.
Free
Y-Art Exhibition
Tuesday 18 - Sunday 30 October 2022 First floor, Boys’ High
On display are beautiful original oil and watercolour paintings by two local Christchurch artists, Sandie Brown and Therese Boustead. All artworks are for sale and entry is free.
Free
Arts Centre Chamber Series: Ancient Voices
Sunday 13 November Great Hall
The second show in the Arts Centre Chamber Series is 'Ancient Voices'.
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.