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.
Orchestrating Ōtautahi
Ten rangatahi from across the city have been mentored by Henare ‘H’ Kaa via a series of workshops and rehearsals to co-create original music. This concert is the culmination of this work.
Find out moreSchool Holiday Fun
Thursday 2 - Sunday 19 April Arts Centre wide
These April school holidays, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre will be bursting with creative activities to inspire, enthuse and spark the imagination.
Outdoor Cinema 2026
Fri 3 - Sun 5, Fri 10 - Sat 11 & Fri 17 - Sat 18 April 2026 North Quad
Get cosy for a movie under the stars. Bring your favourite people, a picnic blanket or chairs, some treats, then settle in as the night sky sparkles and the story unfolds.
MĀRAMA – Te Whare Tapere Film Fundraiser
Tuesday 31 March 2026 Second floor, West Lecture
Te Whare Tapere presents a fundraising screening of Mārama (R16) at Lumière Cinemas on 31 March 2026.
Fresh Off The Page Ōtautahi Playreading
Saturday 21 March & 11 April 2026 Cloisters Studio
Our writers have spent over two months workshopping and redrafting their plays. Now, is the time to present it to fresh eyes to help further their development!
PRIDE NIGHT
Friday 20 March 2026 The Gym
WELCOME TO CIRCUS NIGHTS AT ALTIORA! Celebrating rainbow month with pizazz and performances by emerging artists of Ōtautahi.
Heritage and Harmony
Saturday 28 March 2026 Great Hall
The Arts Centre is thrilled to once again be partnering with NZ's Pop A Cappella specialists, Voices Co. for another stunning concert, where Heritage meets Harmony!
Book (Fight) Club
Various Dates Cloisters Studio
It's a book club.
It's a fight club.
It's a book fight club.
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.
Orchestrating Ōtautahi
Friday 20 March 2026 Great Hall
Ten rangatahi from across the city have been mentored by Henare ‘H’ Kaa via a series of workshops and rehearsals to co-create original music. This concert is the culmination of this work.
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.