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 2025
Nau mai, haere mai come celebrate Matariki with talented artists from Ōtautahi and beyond.
Find out moreFriends Fundraising Film Night: The Last Journey
Monday 26 May 2025 West Lecture
Join the Friends of the Arts Centre for a Fundraising Film Night in aid of The Arts Centre.
Heritage Stargazing
Every Friday night during Winter, 11 April - 26 September 2025 Observatory, Biology and Physics
Experience stargazing through the Townsend Teece Telescope in the Observatory Tower (1896) with astronomers from the University of Canterbury.
Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2025
Specific Mondays Great Hall
Your annual line-up of renowned local, national, and international musicians playing a curated selection of lunchtime concerts in the picturesque Great Hall.
Behind the Songs - A Sunday afternoon with Holly Arrowsmith
Sunday 25 May 2025 Cloisters Studio
Step into the intimate Cloister Studio for a glimpse behind the music of Holly Arrowsmith. In this candid talk and acoustic solo performance, hear an award-winning songwriter share the stories, insigh
Autumn Beauty
Thursday 1 - Saturday 31 May 2025 First floor, Boys’ High
Celebrate the golden glow of the season through Autumn Beauty, a photographic exhibition by Dave Shepherd.
Free
Jazz Club 2025
26 June – 11 September 2025 Great Hall
Combining an unforgettable venue with music that sparkles, The Arts Centre Jazz Club delivers an authentic jazz lovers' experience.
Arts Centre Guided Walking Tours
Wednesday to Sunday Clock Tower
Enjoy a 90-minute guided walking tour of The Arts Centre and discover the rich history of this heritage site.
Rising Stars Concert Series 2025
On specific Tuesdays Great Hall
Rising Stars is a Tuesday lunchtime concert series that focuses on encouraging, nurturing and providing a performance platform for emerging young musicians.
Memory/Lapse - Circuit Artist Moving Image
Friday 25 April - Sunday 18 May 2025 Cloisters Studio
Memory/Lapse is a collection of recent artists video from Aotearoa, Malaysia and Thailand that explores the space between memory and oblivion.
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.