Canterbury Museum
Monday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Tuesday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Wednesday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Thursday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Friday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Saturday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Sunday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
It’s exciting times for Canterbury Museum as a major five-year redevelopment is now underway at its Rolleston Avenue site. This means that the museum is closed to the public for the duration of the works. But, do not fear–while we wait for the opening of the brand new museum, a pop-up a few blocks away serves as a temporary museum space.
The museum pop-up can be found upstairs in the CoCA building on Gloucester Street, just around the corner from Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū. Half of the exhibition space is dedicated to showcasing temporary exhibitions, which will change a few times a year to keep things interesting for returning visitors.
The other half of the space displays museum collection highlights and visitor favourites, such as the much-loved horse that most little ones enjoy riding, objects from the old Antarctic Gallery, an impressive locally discovered moa bone, and a number of rarely displayed items including exotic taxidermied animals.
At the museum pop-up, visitors can also take a look at plans for the redevelopment and get an idea of what to expect when the museum reopens its doors beside the Botanic Gardens.
Visiting the pop-up museum is free, though donations are much appreciated. Its upstairs exhibition space can be accessed via stairs or elevator. Downstairs, you’ll find the CoCA exhibition space, which showcases modern art made in or connected to Waitaha Canterbury, as well as Lux Espresso, brewers of some of the best coffee in town.
Words by Petra Nyman & Photography by Ashleigh Vermaak
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Nearby Places
Kong
Ready to flee the 21st century for the night? We know just the place.
Soul Quarter
Soul Quarter captures the essence of a contemporary brasserie – great service, simple and seasonal dishes, and a splash of how you say, je ne sais quoi.
Paddy McNaughton's
Paddy McNaughton's is a pint-sized pub with Guinness and Magners on tap. It’s the closest thing to a Dublin pub this side of the equator. Live music every week.
Child Sister
Seeking a calm environment with aesthetically-pleasing interior decor, complete with incredible coffee and delicious food to match? Then look no further, Child Sister has...
Similar Places
New Brighton Community Gardens
Around Christchurch Ōtautahi there are so many unique suburbs and within these, there are amazing communities and initiatives that deserve the spotlight.
Georges Road Wines
If you like great wine, stunning scenery and a quick escape from the city head to Georges Road Wines in Waipara.
CoCA
CoCA is a slick and ultra-modern art gallery space in the centre of Christchurch.
Dead Video
If you’re wondering — did streaming kill the video star? — the answer is not quite, thanks to neat people like Evan at Dead Video.