Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre
Beating heart of the city
Explore an entire city block dedicated to fostering arts, culture and education. The country’s largest collection of Category 1 listed historic buildings is home to events, art galleries, museums, boutique retailers, a cinema, a weekly market, accommodation, eateries and bars. Get there on foot, by bike or on the historic tram, which stops right outside!
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The story
Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre sits close to what was once Puari Pā, a fortified settlement of the first people of this area, the Waitaha iwi. The wetland provided food, medicine, clothing and building materials. Over generations Waitaha were joined by Ngāti Māmoe and Ngāi Tahu.
The first of the 22 Gothic Revival buildings on site was built in 1877 for Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury) and further buildings and extensions were added until 1926. Many of the early structures were designed by noted Ōtautahi Christchurch architect Benjamin Mountfort. The site also housed Christchurch’s Girls’ and Boys’ High Schools, though both outgrew the site and relocated (in 1882 and 1926 respectively). By the mid-20th century, the university had also reached capacity; the School of Art moved to the Ilam campus in 1957, and the last university department left in 1975.
There was heated debate about what to do with the space, but a proposal to sell and demolish the eastern half of the site was defeated. The Arts Centre was born in 1978 and became an incubator and home for creatives from the worlds of visual arts, craft, dance, theatre and music.
In 2010-11 Waitaha Canterbury was hit by devastating 7.1 and 6.3 magnitude earthquakes. The Arts Centre sustained significant damage and closed. A successful seismic strengthening and restoration project saw all but two Gothic Revival buildings fully operational by 2023. Many new tenants moved in, along with regular exhibitions, festivals and performances.
See and do
There is something for everyone in The Arts Centre. Browse the boutique retailers for the perfect gift and check out the art galleries for works by emerging to well-known artists. Artisan eateries and bars serve up local dishes or you can try the Arts Centre Laneways food trucks for street food from around the world. Shop for local crafts at the Seekers Mākete (market) on Saturdays, accompanied by live entertainment.
For the history buff, Rutherford’s Den brings the world of science to life through displays and hands-on experiences. At the Rauora Revival exhibition hear about the restoration of the buildings after the Canterbury earthquakes. The University of Canterbury Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities transports you back to ancient civilisations.
The Arts Centre is committed to working collaboratively with mana whenua to bring their stories back to the surface. Te Waiatatanga Mai o te Atua The Song of the Gods exhibition showcases six Ngāi Tahu artists’ reinterpretation of the Ngāi Tahu creation story. Or explore Te Whare Tapere, an arts space committed to supporting Māori art and artists.
With a regular programme of events, there’s always something new to experience: performances, theatre, workshops, movies, Matariki celebrations, lunchtime concerts, a sculpture festival, and artists’ exhibitions. The boutique Observatory Hotel, with 33 unique luxury rooms, gives you the chance to stay onsite and take it all in.
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