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.
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.
SOLD OUT: Manu Tukutuku (Traditional Kite Making) Wānanga
Saturday 11 July 2026 Common Room
Nau mai, haere mai ki tēnei Manu Tukutuku (Traditional Māori Kite Making) Wānanga hosted by Te Whare Tapere. Embrace this chance to learn one of the many forms of Māori kite making. All ages welcome,
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.
School Holidays July 2026
Saturday 4 - Sunday 19 July 2026 Arts Centre wide
Some school holiday events and activities to keep the kids entertained this winter.
Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2026
Specific Mondays Great Hall
Discover a collection of musical gems - bite-size lunchtime concerts in the magnificent Great Hall, featuring renowned musicians from classical, jazz, and popular traditions.
Rising 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.
Places and Spaces
Saturday 27 June - Saturday 29 August First floor, Boys’ High
Inspired by the variety of sights and experiences in New Zealand and beyond, Maxine, Dave and Sandie invite you to take a break in the wonder of familiar and strange places.
Free
Kōrero6
Thursday 25 June - Saturday 1 August, 2026 Library
At its core, Kōrero6 recognises human relationships as fundamental to its outcome. By valuing time and space to connect as a group of six, a predominantly painterly exhibition has transpired.
Free
Quiz Night Fundraiser 2026
Wednesday 23 September 2026 Great Hall
Get yourself and your most knowledgeable friends and family along to a fun Quiz Night fundraising evening to benefit The Arts Centre.
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.