185 chairs, Memorial sculpture in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Description
185 Chairs is an art installation of white seats arranged in rows across an open field in Christchurch. The collection contains various types of furniture including dining chairs, armchairs, beanbags, and baby seats, all painted white and positioned in neat lines.
History
The installation was created in 2013 as a memorial to the 185 people who died in the earthquake of February 22, 2011. The artwork was made to help process the tragic event and give the victims a lasting tribute.
Culture
Each chair represents a person who died, with the different seat types showing their distinctiveness and individuality. This variety of seating, from dining chairs to baby seats, makes the personal importance of every single life visible.
Practical
The site is accessible year-round with no entrance fee required. The white chairs need regular maintenance to keep their appearance, so you may notice ongoing upkeep or touch-ups during your visit.
Did you know?
Artist Peter Majendie deliberately chose different chair types instead of traditional memorial symbols. This choice makes the memorial unusual because it expresses the diversity of those lost through everyday furniture pieces.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (New Zealand).
Cardboard Cathedral
99 m
CTV Building
82 m
Te Kaha
104 m
Implosion of Radio Network House
339 m
Manchester Courts
269 m
Christchurch Club
262 m
St Paul's Church, Christchurch
12 m
St John the Baptist Church, Christchurch
120 m
Vaka 'A Hina
304 m
224 Cashel Street
50 m
Office Building
260 m
Spires
202 m
Willows on Worcester
303 m
St Lukes Chapel, Christchurch
304 m
Wellington Woollen Manufacturing Company Building
346 m
Beaufort House
174 m
Duncan's Buildings
319 m
Nucleus
292 m
Woods From The Trees
259 m
A. J. White's Department Store
293 m
Kensington House
316 m
Kenton Chambers
240 m
ANZ Bank, Christchurch
257 m
Te Kiheru Wai ō Tahu
349 m
McKenzie & Willis Store
280 m
Strange's Building
319 m
197 Hereford Street, Christchurch
205 m
BreakFree
316 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes