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
Spring into a world of excitement these school holidays with circus fun, vibrant workshops and artistic adventures.
Sculpture Festival 2024
Saturday 5 – Sunday 20 October 2024 Great Hall
Sculptural pieces by some of the country’s best artists in ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, glass and mixed media, on show and on sale.
Free
Christchurch Heritage Festival 2024 at The Arts Centre
Saturday 12 October - Monday 28 October (Labour Day) 2024 Arts Centre wide
Join us in exploring the heritage of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre over the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2024.
Manu tukutuku (traditional kite making) workshop
Wednesday 9 October 2024 School of Art
Learn how to make a traditional Māori kite with Te Rautini Sheridan, one of the creative residents currently based at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.
Open Studio with Harete Tito
Saturday 12 October - Sunday 13 October Engineering
Harete’s project focuses on her Kuia who was born at Araiteuru, the Model Pā, beside Victoria Lake during the time of the NZ Exhibition 1906. Her Kuia was named after the Pā.
Free
Observatory Tower and Exhibition Tours
Sunday 13, 20 and 27 October 2024 Observatory, Biology and Physics
Join a guided tour of the Observatory Tower and hear the stories of how it was used from 1896 to today
Rising Stars Concert Series 2024
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.
Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2024
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.
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.
The Seekers Mākete
Every Saturday 10am - 4pm Market Square
Welcome to Seekers Mākete, a market where artisanal craft, gourmet street food & live entertainment comes together every Saturday!
Free
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.