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 moreJazz 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.
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.
Telling Tales
Saturday 7 June 2025 Great Hall
Victor Rodger's first play SONS debuted at The Court Theatre in 1995. Thirty years later his play Black Faggot is playing to packed houses in The Court Theatre's brand-new premises.
Free
Cubbin Theatre: Bundle Baby
Thursday 5 - Sunday 8 June 2025 Cloisters Studio
Cubbin Theatre Company presents their brand new show, Bundle Baby! A gentle show made for babies and toddlers aged 8 months to 2 years and their grownups, exploring the magic of the laundry basket.
Ngamako Rota: Te oorokohanga mai o te tangi o te mooteatea
Friday 23 May - Sunday 29 June 2025 Ground floor, Registry Additions
In 2023, Ngamako Rota led a wāhine ensemble at Rangiriri, weaving mōteatea, memory, and movement into acts of resistance and remembrance.
Free
'Inflammatory Text' exhibition by Tim Middleton
Sunday 1 - Tuesday 17 June 2025 Ground floor, Boys’ High
Come see some of local artist, Tim MIddleton's artworks showing at Absolution until June 17th.
Free
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.
Navigating the Stars - Matariki at the Teece
Saturday 14 - Sunday 29 June 2025 Chemistry
The stars have helped people cross the seas and oceans for thousands of years. It's your turn to navigate the Teece Museum to find the Matariki cluster.
Free
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.
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.