The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

One of the oldest buildings of Canterbury College which subsequently became the prestigious Canterbury University. The University is now centered in its modern campus to the West of the centre of the city and, after extensive renovation following the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011 this building has become an Arts Centre. The Centre also houses an up-market wine bar/restaurant but the must-see is the spectacular stained glass window in the main hall.

The best "Must see" in Christchurch! Be sure to go between 9-5 so that you can go up in the observatory hotel to see the Song of the Gods exhibit. Also go up to see the old classroom inside the Canterbury College Baron Rutherford (on the NZ $100 bill) exhibit. 10 stars And the Great Hall... Exquisite!

Definitely a good spot to hangout, have a nice meal, enjoy the museum or a movie.

A beautiful must-see attraction in Christchurch, featuring history exhibits, arts and crafts shops, and even a hotel. Since major earthquakes in late 2010/early 2011, The Arts Centre has undergone major restoration works. This is a major undertaking and has yet to be completed, with remaining works on the cathedral put on hold due to funding shortages. There is an exhibit which showcases the meticulous and momentous planning and construction work to effectively build a "new" steel and concrete structure under the existing brick facade. I've been told the work rivals that of the restoration of the Notre Dame, and I agree - you can see where the centre has been strengthened to be safe to modern standards, but also where individual components have been reconstructed by hand to remain faithful to the original style.

We stumbled upon the Arts Centre by accident after finding the Quad café, and it turned out to be one of the best surprises of our trip! The café drew us in, but the Arts Centre kept us exploring for hours. The place is full of hidden treasures. We wandered through the Central Gallery, checked out Rutherford’s Den science center, and browsed the gift shop, which was packed with quirky, creative finds. There’s even a cinema, though we didn’t have time to catch a film. Plus, the Buskers Festival was happening, so the whole area was buzzing with street performers. There were also public art installations—think sculptures and creative outdoor displays that made the space feel vibrant and alive. We also saw the Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities- small but had significant artifacts. The buildings themselves are absolutely stunning—classic Gothic architecture that feels like a mix of Harry Potter and Edinburgh. Everything is so well-preserved, and just walking around was a treat. Sadly, we missed the Great Hall because it was closed for rehearsals, but that just gives us a reason to go back. And the best part? It’s completely free to visit! Whether you’re into art, history, or just want to soak up the atmosphere, the Arts Centre is a total must-see.

Beautiful works in a beautiful building. Even the drain pipes are beautiful.

Historic place with majestic buildings. Great atmosphere. Visited again and every time I am impressed with the building, atmosphere and exhibits. The Rutherford den is also interesting.

Interesting exhibits and shops in several of the buildings. The stories of the quake and renovation process are very interesting. Fun places to wander around and good cafe options as well.

Located right across from the Christchurch Botanic Gardens is another free place to visit, the Arts Centre of Christchurch. The Arts Centre takes up the entire block, and it's nice place to wander around and take in the architecture of the buildings, the numerous exhibits, and the beautiful scenery. There are also food trucks, cafes, small shops, and even a hotel! The exhibits are a mix of art and science with Rutherford's Den with sensory displays and the Physics Room, which is self-explanatory. While art isn't really my thing, everywhere was very well maintained and clean. I suppose the most interesting part was the "Floating House" above the courtyard. Overall, the Arts Centre is a nice place to walk around and enjoy the exhibits as well as find food trucks and other international eateries. It's right across the street from the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and nearby other attractions.

A mix of history and the present. Located in the heart of Christchurch, The Arts Centre is an Aotearoa New Zealand landmark - home to galleries, museums, cinemas, boutique retailers, artisan eateries and bars, engaging events, stunning venues and much more. Full of history and architectural beauty. Once these buildings were the home to Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury). The 23 buildings are a fantastic place to spend some time. Take in the architecture, the quaint shops, a gallery, a bite, or stay the night. One of the buildings is a gorgeous hotel. As I wandered the grounds and buildings, I stumbled into more of the history. In the Clock Tower, the den is home to the actual rooms where Rutherford, the father of nuclear physics, studied while a student at Canterbury College. Including the restored Victorian lecture theatre. It felt a little bit out of Harry Potter. Imagine standing where Rutherford made so many scientific discoveries. Later giving us tv, radio, sonar and telephones. So many great shops and galleries I wandered through for almost three hours. I'm glad I found the center. Wished I had known more about it sooner.

Christchurch has a large complex devoted to art. It should be noted, however, that the building at this address is (as of this writing) closed for earthquake repairs; apparently the earthquakes were quite substantial and some major highways are closed as well. The art gallery being reviewed here is just across the street from the listed address and probably part of the same complex. And it is really quite nice. It's free, and it has two fairly large levels and a nice variety of exhibits. This one focused more on modern and Western art than on Maori art or the history of New Zealand, but that's all fine enough. It wasn't a whole day kind of thing, but certainly worth a stop for a visitor to the area. Also, free wifi.

This museum is free but donations are welcomed. It stays open late on Wednesdays until 9pm. If you like contemporary art you will enjoy this museum. There are some traditional art in here as well. But most of it is contemporary. Give it a go!!