The National

The National has been at the forefront of Christchurch’s contemporary art scene for over two decades, specialising in jewellery and objects by New Zealand and selected international artists. While jewellery remains at its core, the gallery also showcases sculptural ceramics, glass and object-based works.

Its imaginative exhibition programme changes monthly. Primarily a platform for solo jewellery exhibitions, it also presents carefully curated group, cross-media shows and collaborations. The focus is on supporting artists to develop new bodies of work while engaging new audiences. Many pieces are tactile, and visitors are encouraged to touch or try them on.

Founded by Caroline Billing, The National first opened in 2004 on High Street and has evolved through several iterations since. After the gallery was destroyed in the 2011 earthquake, Caroline remained committed to creating opportunities for artists to exhibit and for the Christchurch public to experience and learn about contemporary art. This led to a series of innovative alternatives to the traditional gallery format, including the memorable post-quake pop-up project Host a Brooch, created in collaboration with jeweller Jackie Chan.

The gallery later found a permanent home on Moorhouse Avenue before moving closer to the heart of the city, settling into its current space on Cambridge Terrace in 2025. With its expansive interior and polished concrete floors, the gallery is minimal, allowing the distinctive works on display to take centre stage.