Original Banksy works to be displayed for the first time in the South Island

Once-in-a-lifetime Banksy exhibition

The once-in-a-lifetime Art of Banksy exhibition will give audiences the rare chance to stand face to face with wellknown pieces such as Banksy’s symbolic Girl with Balloon and Flower Thrower.

The exhibition at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre runs from Wednesday 17 December 2025 to Tuesday 27 January 2026, a fitting event for Christchurch which has earned the reputation of New Zealand’s street art capital.

The Art of Banksy Curator and Producer Michel Boersma promises that this exhibition is the “closest you’ll ever get to meeting the guy”. 

“This is a blockbuster, museum grade exhibition, giving you access to the brain of Banksy as close as humanly possible in this world,” says Boersma.

What's included in the Banksy exhibition?

As the largest Banksy exhibition operating with authenticated art, Boersma says there’s more than meets the eye with each artwork on display. 

“You’re guided through the exhibition where visual moments have been created, in a theatrical way so that you see the unexpected. We have interviews from his ex-girlfriends, and we have the personal messages at the back of the frames. We have the hand drawn sketches – the actual, hand drawn sketches.”

Each piece has been rented from a Banksy owner, who according to Boersma, want the artworks to be seen.

"Most of those who rent pieces to the exhibition are long term Banksy buyers. When Banksy wasn't Banksy, there was a small group of people who were buying direct from him. They are lovers of the work who rent it to us because they want people to see the artwork, instead of having it hang on the wall.”

Christchurch has more than 45 large scale works in the central city, and has been referred to as New Zealand’s very own capital of street art.

Dr. Reuben Woods, the creative director of Watch This Space, who completed his doctorate on graffiti and street art in post-earthquake Christchurch, says the presence of the exhibition will “continue to put eyes on the amazing work our local street artists have been doing.”

Why Christchurch is the ideal location for the Banksy exhibition

Te Pae Christchurch General Manager Ross Steele expects South Islanders to attend the exhibition in force.

“It’s not every day you get to see the works of one of the world’s most iconic artists up close, and we’re proud to bring this experience to the South Island,” says Steele.

“This is the exhibition's first time in the South Island, and the last chance to see this collection in New Zealand, before the artworks are returned to their owners.”

“This is something special for Christchurch over summer. We want Ōtautahi residents and visitors to enjoy it and add to the buzz our city has right now.”

ChristchurchNZ has partnered with Te Pae Christchurch to bring The Art of Banksy exhibition to Christchurch, and Head of Major Events Karena Finnie says it’s an ideal fit.

“This exhibition will launch a summer of events, play and creativity for Christchurch residents and visitors to the city. The event is a shining example of how cultural experiences enrich our calendar and weave vibrancy into the colourful tapestry of Ōtautahi.”

The Art of Banksy is not curated or authorised by the artist and only displays authenticated art sold or gifted by the artist, no replicas or art removed from the street.