Matariki 2025

Celebrate Matariki with talented artists from Ōtautahi & beyond, featuring live performances, visual art, kapa haka, Tīrama Mai, night mākete,
delicious kai & so much more.

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Jazz Club

Combining an unforgettable venue with music that sparkles, The Arts Centre Jazz Club delivers an authentic jazz lovers' experience.

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Heritage Stargazing

View the Southern Sky through the Victorian-era Townsend Teece Telescope, under the guidance of Townsend astronomers from the University of Canterbury.

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Rising Stars 2025

An emerging young musicians lunchtime concert series.

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Great Hall Lunchtime Concerts 2025

An annual line-up of renowned local, national, and international musicians playing a curated selection of lunchtime concerts in the picturesque Great Hall.

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The Arts Centre Shop

Shop for unique gifts and exclusive Arts Centre inspired designs by local artists.

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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.

Friends 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.


Jackie Goes Prima Diva

Saturday 24 May 2025 Great Hall

Homegrown chanteuse Jackie Clarke turns her powerhouse vocals, wicked humour and maverick entertainment style to interpret the songs of the 20th and 21st Centuries most legendary divas.


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


Brainy Beanies

Tuesday 20 - Sunday 25 May 2025 First floor, Boys’ High

The Brainy Beanies Exhibition, organized by Brain Tumour Support NZ, is making its Christchurch debut! More than just a fundraiser, this special event brings together crafters from across New Zealand.

Free


Arts Centre Chamber Series: Only | Emotions

Sunday 25 May 2025 Great Hall

In a celebration of the life and work of extraordinary composer Sofia Gubaidulina, join staff, students and members of the UC Music community in concert.


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.


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


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.


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.

Frances Nation Home

Ground floor, Boys’ High,

Worcester Boulevard

Open 7 days, 10:00AM - 5:00PM