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.
School Holiday Fun
These April school holidays, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre will be bursting with creative activities to inspire, enthuse and spark the imagination.
Find out moreOutdoor Cinema 2026
Fri 3 - Sun 5, Fri 10 - Sat 11 & Fri 17 - Sat 18 April 2026 North Quad
Get cosy for a movie under the stars. Bring your favourite people, a picnic blanket or chairs, some treats, then settle in as the night sky sparkles and the story unfolds.
MĀRAMA – Te Whare Tapere Film Fundraiser
Tuesday 31 March 2026 Second floor, West Lecture
Te Whare Tapere presents a fundraising screening of Mārama (R16) at Lumière Cinemas on 31 March 2026.
Friends Fundraising Film Night: TENOR: My name is Pati
Wednesday 22nd April 2026 West Lecture
Join the Friends of the Arts Centre for a Fundraising Film Night in aid of The Arts Centre.
Fresh Off The Page Ōtautahi Playreading
Saturday 21 March & 11 April 2026 Cloisters Studio
Our writers have spent over two months workshopping and redrafting their plays. Now, is the time to present it to fresh eyes to help further their development!
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.
Heritage and Harmony
Saturday 28 March 2026 Great Hall
The Arts Centre is thrilled to once again be partnering with NZ's Pop A Cappella specialists, Voices Co. for another stunning concert, where Heritage meets Harmony!
Book (Fight) Club
Various Dates Cloisters Studio
It's a book club.
It's a fight club.
It's a book fight club.
Open Christchurch 2026
Saturday 2 - Sunday 3 May 2026 Arts Centre wide
Open Christchurch is a one-weekend-only festival of exceptional architecture.
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.
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.