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.
Social Animal – finding relevance in a social media world
In an era where a single post can shatter a life, Social Animal brings a sharp, satirical edge to Christchurch.
Find out moreRising Stars Concert Series 2026
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.
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.
Matariki 2026
Saturday 4 - Sunday 12 Hōngongoi July 2026 Arts Centre wide
Let creativity be a guiding star this Matariki. Celebrate Matariki with talented artists from Ōtautahi & beyond, featuring live performances, visual art, kapa haka, night mākete and more.
Jazz Club 2026
Thursdays between 9 July - 1 October 2026 Great Hall
Set to ignite the colder months with rhythm and soul, The Arts Centre Jazz Club returns for its third year.
Social Animal – finding relevance in a social media world
Friday 12 June 2026 Great Hall
In an era where a single post can shatter a life, Social Animal brings a sharp, satirical edge to Christchurch.
He Wāhanga nō te Kōrero
Tuesday 28 April - Saturday 25 July 2026 Common Room
He Wāhanga nō te Kōrero brings together ngā ringatoi Māori, each responding to a kōrero of their choosing.
Free
Annual Public Meeting
Monday 8 June Cloisters Studio
We warmly invite you to our Annual Public Meeting - an opportunity to reflect on our key achievements and challenges throughout 2025, and to share an overview of our financial performance.
Free
Book (Fight) Club
Various Dates Cloisters Studio
It's a book club.
It's a fight club.
It's a book fight club.
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.