Canterbury Museum

Stay and explore key icon. Galleries and museum key icon.
Stay and explore key icon. Galleries and museum key icon.

Monday9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Tuesday9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Wednesday9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Thursday9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Friday9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Saturday9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Sunday9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

66 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

03 366 5000

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 St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Nearby Places

The Crossing

The Crossing courtyard.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon.

The Crossing is one of Christchurch’s greatest accomplishments post-earthquakes and has become the city centre’s premium shopping destination.

Midnight Shanghai

Close up of people dining at Midnight Shanghai.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Midnight Shanghai offers Christchurch elevated, modern Chinese fare with karaoke, handcrafted cocktails and a menu designed for sharing.

Christchurch Art Gallery

Exterior curved glass building of the Christchurch Art Gallery.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Galleries and museum key icon.

Locals and visitors alike have the pleasure of viewing some of the best art in New Zealand and the world here.

Twiggi Hair

Counter and chairs at Twiggi Hair.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Services key icon.

Adding a loud burst of colour to The Crossing in Christchurch, Twiggi is guaranteed to leave you and your hair feeling revitalised.

Similar Places

Ngaio Marsh House

A colourful bookshelf by an old bed in the Ngaio Marsh House.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Stay and explore key icon. Galleries and museum key icon.

Ngaio Marsh House sits in a beautiful spot on the lower slopes of Christchurch’s Cashmere Hills.

Christchurch Adventure Park

A person flying down one of the zip lines at Christchurch Adventure Park.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Stay and explore key icon. Cafes key icon.

Christchurch’s unique Adventure Park is a tranquil escape for those seeking more than just thrills.

Absolution Tattoo and Body Piercing

View of the counter at 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.

Hinewai Reserve

A view of the ocean from the Banks Peninsula.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Stay and explore key icon.

Not far from the township of Akaroa (walking distance if you’re really game), lies an idyllic haven of regenerating native bush nestled in the wild south east corner...