Admission
Admission to The Arts Centre is free. Some organisations based here have entry fees, which are displayed on each organisation’s website.
Baby-changing facilities
Baby-changing facilities are found in the bathrooms on the ground floor of the Classics building and the bathrooms on the ground floor of the Boys’ High building.
Bathrooms
There is a gender-neutral bathroom with five stalls on the ground floor of the Classics building next to the Great Hall with access from the North Quad. In the Boys’ High building there are gendered bathrooms on the ground and first floors.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at The Arts Centre.
Evacuation assembly areas
In the event of an emergency move away from the buildings into an open space such as the quads, Market Square, Hereford Street or Worcester Boulevard.
First aid
If you need basic first aid treatment between 10.00am and 5.00pm, please visit Rutherford’s Den in the Clock Tower. For anything more serious, please call 111 or visit nearby Christchurch Hospital.
There are two defibrillators at The Arts Centre. One is on the temporary fencing facing Worcester Boulevard between the Boys’ High building and the Clock Tower. The other is in Rutherford’s Den in the Clock Tower.
Hours
The Arts Centre is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday. On Anzac Day it is open from 1.00pm to 5.00pm.
Galleries, museums, retailers, eateries, bars and companies at The Arts Centre each have their own opening hours, which are displayed on each individual organisation’s page on this website.
Information desk
Staff and volunteers in the Clock Tower will be able to help you should you require information about The Arts Centre, its features, facilities, residents and offerings.
Rutherford's Den is open every day, 10.30am-2.30pm in winter and 10.00am to 4.00pm in summer. It is closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday and is open from 1.00pm to 4.00pm on Anzac Day.
Lost property
If you think you may have lost something during your visit to The Arts Centre, visit Rutherford’s Den in the Clock Tower, email or call 03 366 0989.
Outdoor seating
Bench seats are available in both the North and South Quads. Seating is also available under the canopy between the Gym and Boys’ High, in front of the Gym, and in front of Frances Nation Grocer in Boys’ High, facing onto Worcester Boulevard.
Photography
We want all our visitors to enjoy their time at The Arts Centre and taking and sharing photos of our beautiful location for personal use is part of that experience.
If strictly for personal use only (i.e. not sold or shared for profit or promotion), you may film and photograph all public spaces of The Arts Centre.
If you’d like to take wedding or graduation photographs or have another type of professional/commercial shoot at The Arts Centre, please visit this page and ensure you follow its instructions.
Safe space
The Arts Centre is part of the Safe Space Alliance, and is a safe space where LGBTQI+ communities can freely express themselves without fear. It is a space that does not tolerate violence, bullying, or hate speech towards LGBTQI+ communities.
Smoking
Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices is not permitted in any Arts Centre buildings.
Tours
Enjoy a 90-minute guided walking tour of The Arts Centre and discover the rich history of this heritage site. Please visit here for more information.