The History and Restoration of the 1864 Townsend Teece Telescope


16 October 2025

Time

6.00PM – 7.00PM

Venue: Exhibition Space on the 1st Floor of the Observatory Tower

Hear the fascinating story of the Townend Teece Telescope - and then get an opportunity to climb the stairs and admire it after the talk!

Associate Professor Karen Pollard from the University of Canterbury will give an illustrated talk on the amazing history and restoration of the 1864 Townsend Teece Telescope which has been in the Observatory Tower at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre since 1896 and was meticulously restored post-earthquake for public stargazing. 

For the past 125+ years, the people of Ōtautahi Christchurch have been able to explore the wonders of the night sky and learn about the science of astronomy through the University of Canterbury's Heritage Stargazing Friday night sessions at the Observatory Tower at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.

Free, no booking required.

This event is part of the Christchurch Heritage Festival (11 - 27 October 2025).

 

Location map

Observatory, Biology and Physics,
Hereford Street

Market Square Hereford St Carpark Boys' High Entrance Engineering Laneway The Observatory Hotel Courtyard South Quad North Quad Registry Student Union The Gym Engineering Cloisters Studio Common Room Library Biology, Observatory and Physics Chemistry School of Art West Lecture Classics Rutherford's Den Clock Tower Boy's High Workshop Great Hall
  • Other Events You Might Like
  • Where We Draw the Line

    Tuesday 16 September - Sunday 28 September 2025 First floor, Boys’ High

    Exploring the intersection of creativity, a sense of self, and wider social contexts.

    Free

    Singfest 2025

    Saturday 13 September, 2025 Great Hall

    Community Choirs and local singing groups performing in the central city!

    Free

    Before and After George

    Sunday 21 September 2025 Cloisters Studio

    Before and After George is a performance work lasting seven hours where tattoo artists from around the world tattoos the artist’s face, head, and neck at no cost to the artist.

    Free

    Where We Draw the Line

    Tuesday 16 September - Sunday 28 September 2025 First floor, Boys’ High

    Exploring the intersection of creativity, a sense of self, and wider social contexts.

    Free

    Singfest 2025

    Saturday 13 September, 2025 Great Hall

    Community Choirs and local singing groups performing in the central city!

    Free

    Before and After George

    Sunday 21 September 2025 Cloisters Studio

    Before and After George is a performance work lasting seven hours where tattoo artists from around the world tattoos the artist’s face, head, and neck at no cost to the artist.

    Free