A Guide to Architecture and Art in Christchurch

A red and white bricked building in Christchurchs city centre.
Ōtautahi Christchurch’s cityscape is ever evolving and the combination of historic structures versus new modern buildings, works together in harmony to create a vibrant city.

Ashburton Art Gallery & Heritage Centre

Works of art on a white wall.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The Ashburton Art Gallery & Heritage Centre is home to both the town's art gallery and museum.

Objectspace at Sir Miles Warren Gallery

The sloping ceiling inside Objectspace Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Objectspace is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading gallery dedicated to design, craft and architecture.

Ngaio Marsh House

A colourful bookshelf by an old bed in the Ngaio Marsh House.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Ngaio Marsh House sits in a beautiful spot on the lower slopes of Christchurch’s Cashmere Hills.

Absolution Tattoo and Body Piercing

View of the counter at Absolution Tattoo and Body Piercing studio in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A contemporary tattoo and body-piercing studio in the Arts Centre.

Canterbury Museum

Dinosaur skeleton on display at Canterbury Museum in downtown Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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It’s exciting times for Canterbury Museum as a major five-year redevelopment is now underway at its Rolleston Avenue site. In the meantime, a pop-up a few blocks away serves as a temporary museum space.

The Arts Centre

The exterior of a building at the Christchurch Arts Centre.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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A much-loved heritage hub for all things creative and cultural, Christchurch’s Arts Centre is a real jewel in the city’s crown.

The Physics Room

Ivy on wall outside The Physics Room.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The Physics Room is well worth a visit.

CoCA

Footpath signboard pointing to CoCA, Centre of Contemporary Art in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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CoCA is a slick and ultra-modern art gallery space in the centre of Christchurch.

Free Things To Do in Christchurch Ōtautahi

A group of adults looking intently at a colourful painting on a wall at Christchurch Art Gallery.
Even without spending a cent, you can enjoy the rich history and beautiful landscape that Christchurch has to offer.

Christchurch Art Gallery

Exterior curved glass building of the Christchurch Art Gallery.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Locals and visitors alike have the pleasure of viewing some of the best art in New Zealand and the world here.

The National

Ceramics on a grey stone table.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The National has been at the forefront of the contemporary art scene in Christchurch for over a decade.