The Arts Centre

Cafes key icon. Galleries and museum key icon. Theatre and performance key icon.
Cafes key icon. Galleries and museum key icon. Theatre and performance key icon.

Monday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Tuesday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Wednesday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Thursday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Friday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Saturday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Sunday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

03-366 0989

The Arts Centre is an iconic landmark, a precious taonga in Christchurch. After being extensively damaged during the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, the stunning Gothic Revival style centre which dates back to 1877 is slowly being brought back to life through a massive $290m post-earthquake restoration programme and the team at the Arts Centre are restoring memories to pave the way for new experiences with culture, creativity and education. As you might imagine, all this change is bringing a lot of excitement with it.

Excitement in the form of:

– From Ancient Greece to Contemporary New Zealand Art and artisan craft – you can visit the Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities, the Central Art Gallery, the Pūmanawa community exhibition space which has rotating art, heritage and social science exhibitions. Take a sneak peak at rehearsals underway in the Common Room with innovative theatre company Two Productions.

– Food and drink venues such as Bunsen cafe, the Curator’s Deli, Zen Sushi & Dumplings, Fudge Cottage and The Rolling Om.

– Rutherford’s Den – a hands on interactive science learning space which is the actual rooms where Nobel prize-winning scientist Ernest, Lord Rutherford studied.

– Public spaces such as the Great Hall and North and South Quadrangles which are open to the public following their respective restorations and feature public art thanks to SCAPE.

– A growing dynamic events programme that includes markets and carnivals, outdoor summer cinemas, lunchtime concerts and workshops throughout the year (check their website for more details)
Enticing internal features aside, The Arts Centre is a great place to visit purely for a wander around to soak up some of its rich history – there are 23 separate buildings on site, of which 21 are listed by Heritage New Zealand as Historic Place Category 1 and each with their own story to tell.

The Christchurch Arts Centre is a truly special treasure for The Garden City and a must-do for all visitors and Christchurch locals.

Words by Jane Lyons & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Nearby Places

Ramen Ria

Outdoor seating at Ramen Ria
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Ramen Ria has all of the flavour and fun that can be found in some of Tokyo’s most well known, yet tucked away ramen joints.

Absolution Tattoo and Body Piercing

Framed tattoo art on the wall Absolution Tattoo and Body Piercing studio in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Galleries and museum key icon. Services key icon.

A contemporary tattoo and body-piercing studio in the Arts Centre.

Westend Stories Café & Eatery

Pale wood wall and cafe seating with industrial lights at Westend Stories..
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Westend Stories is a green oasis for those looking to temporarily escape the confines of their workplace.

Victoria Free House

A beer and bangers and mash on a table at Victoria Free House Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

A British-style pub, Victoria Free House is a slice of the old world in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Similar Places

Central Deli Sandwiches

A large Central Deli Sandwiches poster framed on a wall.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Central Deli Sandwiches is a permanent daytime pop-up within Christchurch's New Regent Street restaurant Story.

5th Street

Close up of a seared fillet of fish in a shallow bowl of sauce at 5th Street restaurant Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

A spectacular spot for evening dining seven days a week.

Posh Porridge

A bowl of porridge on a table against a white background.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Posh Porridge offers boutique flavours and lashings of luxury toppings for its porridge bowls. Just pop into its Montreal St location and find out for yourself.

Kokomo

The brightly lit interior of Kokomo in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Kokomo brings a modern coastal dining experience to Ōtautahi Christchurch.