Christchurch Arts Centre

The Christchurch Arts Centre is a complex of Gothic Revival stone buildings with pointed arches and decorative details designed by Benjamin Mountfort. The site contains more than 70 different venues including galleries, museums, cinemas, shops, and restaurants that operate daily.

The complex was originally founded in 1878 as Canterbury College and served an educational purpose for generations. The 2011 earthquake caused major damage, prompting extensive restoration work that preserved the historic structure for current use.

The Arts Centre serves as a living space for exhibitions, performances, and gatherings that draw people from across the city. The historic buildings have become a social meeting point where the community experiences art and culture together in everyday use.

The grounds are accessible daily from morning until evening with multiple pathways to explore at your own pace. Visitors can easily find restaurants, cafes, and shops scattered throughout to rest and refresh between activities.

Twenty-one of the twenty-three structures on the grounds hold protected heritage status as Category 1 listings. This makes it New Zealand's largest collection of such safeguarded historic buildings and an exceptionally rare architectural ensemble.

Location: Christchurch City

Architects: Benjamin Mountfort

Address: 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch

Website: https://artscentre.org.nz

GPS coordinates: -43.53150,172.62800

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43