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
Hop, skip or jump into The Arts Centre for fun-filled days of music, movies, arts, circus, dance and more.
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.
Pussycat Storytime - reading of Bruce the Cat
Thursday 24 April 2025 North Quad
Join Kathryn as she reads 'Bruce Finds A Home' and 'Bruce Goes Outside'. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions about the real Bruce (who went viral on social media, changed colour from grey to
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.
Ghosts On Every Corner - by Ghostcat
Saturday 29 March - Wednesday 30 April 2025 First floor, Boys’ High
A collection of 13 iconic builds from Christchurch pre-earthquake, displayed for the general public alongside a book called Ghosts On Every Corner.
Free
Open Christchurch 2025
Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 May 2025 Arts Centre wide
Open Christchurch is a one-weekend-only festival of exceptional architecture.
School Holiday Fun
12 - 27 April 2025 Arts Centre wide
Hop, skip or jump into The Arts Centre for fun-filled days of music, movies, arts, circus, dance and more.
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.