Culture
13 January 2026
Galleries and museums in Christchurch
Galleries and museums are scattered all over the city, inviting visitors to explore history, unique paintings, photography, pottery and much more.
The vibrant art scene in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Christchurch's vibrant art scene is visible throughout the city's streets and public spaces, with lively painted murals and art installations. Whether you are looking for a deep dive into history or a fresh perspective on contemporary craft, Christchurch is waiting to be explored.
More traditional galleries
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu
The biggest and certainly most famous of them all: the Christchurch Art Gallery has something for everyone. The art on display ranges from old masters to modern art. The Art Gallery also runs regular events including talks, museum tours and film evenings. Montreal Street, 7 days a week 10am - 5pm, with a late night on Wednesdays from 5 - 9pm.
Centre of Contemporary Art CoCA Christchurch
If you like modern and abstract art, then CoCA is for you! The art on display is not always straightforward, a visit to CoCA will widen your horizon and challenge the way you view art. 66 Gloucester Street, 10am until 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am until 3pm Saturday & Sunday, Closed Public Holidays.
Art Box Gallery
The Art Box Gallery was founded after the earthquakes to support local artists. The main focus of the Art Box Gallery's founder Beverley Frost is modern art. Unit 1/16 Loftus Street, Tuesday – Friday 11am – 4pm, Saturday 11am – 2pm.
Jonathan Smart Gallery
Jonathan Smart is a leading Christchurch gallerist that runs two galleries in Christchurch: The Jonathan Smart Gallery and The Central. The Jonathan Smart Gallery is dedicated to showing contemporary visual art ranging from painting and photography to sculpture and moving image work. 52 Buchan Street, Wednesday - Friday 11am - 5pm; Saturday 11am - 3pm.
The Central Art Gallery
Located in the former library of the Arts Centre, The Central features work by leading contemporary New Zealand artists. Run by Jonathan Smart and four other local families, The Central brings back the arty heritage to the Arts Centre. Arts Centre, Worcester Boulevard , Wednesday – Saturday 10am - 4pm.
Chambers Art Gallery
The Chambers Art Gallery has built up a reputation for exhibiting the work of leading New Zealand artists and newcomers. The art on display is very broad: painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, pottery and installation. 80 Durham Street, Sydenham, Tuesday – Friday 10.30am – 4pm, Saturday 11am - 3pm.
Windsor Gallery
Located down St Asaph Street you'll find Windsor Gallery, with a dedicated consultation area leading through to a bright modern gallery space. Discover artworks from portraiture through to landscapes and beautiful sculptures. 386 St Asaph Street, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm.
PG Gallery 192
The PG Gallery192 brings big names of the New Zealand art scene to the city, focusing on contemporary art. 192 Bealey Avenue, Tuesday - Friday 10.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10.30am - 3pm.
Fiksate Gallery
Fiksate is an urban contemporary art gallery and artist studio space located at 54 Hawdon, Sydenham. The in-house artists range from painters to stencil artists, designers to multi-disciplinary practitioners and writers. Alongside a revolving schedule of exhibitions, Fiksate also hosts workshops and visiting artists. Hours vary.
Little River Gallery
On the way to Akaroa in Little River is another gallery space that is well worth a visit. The Little River Gallery displays fine New Zealand art, holds regular exhibitions and has a good collection of New Zealand made keepsakes. Main Road, Little River, 7 days, 9am - 5pm.
Stoddart Cottage Gallery
Stoddart Cottage Gallery is the birthplace of one of New Zealand's foremost 19th century artists, Margaret Stoddart. The cottage is situated at Stoddart Point, Diamond Harbour. Exhibitions by local artists change monthly. 2 Waipapa Avenue, Diamond Harbour, 10am - 4pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday, most public holidays and other times by arrangement.
ART.Co Gallery
ART.Co Gallery an inspiring gallery founded by Armstrong Interiors, and set inside the design showroom. Where creativity is celebrated with artwork, sculpture and ceramics showcasing emerging and established local Canterbury artists. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 1/3 Birmingham Drive, Middleton.
Galleries that are a little different
Absolution
Absolution has been operating for more than 20 years and is a widely known tattoo and piercing studio in Christchurch. The studio is located in the Boys High Building at the Arts Centre and has a gallery space within. 28 Worcester Street, 7 days a week 10am - 6pm
Ilam Campus Gallery
The School of Fine Arts has an exhibition space for the art classes of the University of Canterbury and the wider Canterbury region. Block Two, School of Fine Arts, University of Canterbury, Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm.
City Art Depot
City Art Depot started out as a picture framing workshop. Over time it evolved and expanded to include a fine arts gallery. The main focus of the gallery is printed work and paper drawings. 96 Disraeli Street, Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm.
The National
Specialised in contemporary jewellery from New Zealand and abroad, The National represents more than 40 jewellers and exhibits sculptural ceramics, glass and object-based works. 249 Moorhouse Avenue, Tuesday – Friday: 12am - 4pm, Saturday 10.30am - 4pm.
The Physics Room
The Physics Room is a contemporary art space dedicated to developing and promoting contemporary art and critical discourse in Aotearoa New Zealand. The gallery hosts exhibitions, artist talks, performances and discussions. The Physics Room goal is to actively seek links between the arts and other areas of cultural production and to involve art as a contributing voice in wider intellectual, social and political debate. 49 – 59 Worcester Boulevard, Tuesday – Friday 11am – 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am - 4pm.
Form Gallery
Form Gallery showcases leading New Zealand object artists. The contemporary work includes cast and blown glass, ceramics, jewellery and other media. 468 Colombo Street, Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm.
Fibre Gallery
Fibre Gallery Ōtautahi is the first of its kind in Te Wai Pounamu. A distinctly Moana gallery, dedicated to the display of community-engaged, digital, and heritage artworks by Moana creatives. Level 1, 285 Cashel Street, Christchurch. Open Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery
The Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery is based in Riccarton and offers a full range of different art styles which is constantly changing. The building itself is also designed to be a piece of art. Make sure to join a tour around the Buddhist Temple while visiting the gallery. 2 Harakeke Street, Riccarton, Tuesday - Sunday 9am - 3pm.
Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities
Explore more than three thousand years of human history through an amazing collection of artefacts from Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern cultures at Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities. UC Arts City Location, 3 Hereford St, Christchurch, Wednesday - Sunday, 11am- 4pm.
Museums
Canterbury Museum Pop-up
Visit Canterbury Museum at CoCA to enjoy collection highlights and temporary exhibitions while our Rolleston Avenue buildings are being redeveloped.
One half of the pop-up museum at 66 Gloucester Street in central Christchurch is dedicated to visitor favourites and stunning objects from the collection, while the other half displays temporary exhibitions featuring everything from dinosaurs, artworks and wildlife photography.
Museum highlights to explore
Around half the pop-up Museum is dedicated to collection highlights and visitor favourites from the Museum’s permanent galleries. The other half displays temporary exhibitions.
On display are taonga (treasures) which represent the breadth and depth of the Museum's collection ranging from taxidermied animals through to historic objects from the Antarctic, Mountfort and Early Settlers galleries.
Visitors can also see beautiful taonga Māori and Pasifika alongside the return of two firm visitor favourites, the horse from The Christchurch Street and Ivan Mauger’s gold bike.
Opening hours:
- 9.00 am to 5.30 pm (October to March)
- 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (April to September)
Ravenscar House
See one of New Zealand's most significant private art collections displayed in a tranquil domestic setting.
Ravenscar House Museum is the stylish new home for Susan and Jim Wakefield's cherished art collection. The House Museum is a reimagining of Jim and Susan’s stunning home in the Christchurch coastal suburb of Scarborough, which was damaged beyond repair in the February 2011 earthquake. Step inside to discover works by well-known and much-loved New Zealand artists, displayed in the tranquil domestic setting of this new Ravenscar House. Guided tours at 2.00 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Airforce Museum of NZ
Discover New Zealand’s military aviation story at the place where it all began. Engage with stories of the people who have helped shape New Zealand’s military aviation journey.
At the Airforce Museum you can reflect on service and sacrifice through years of war and peace. Explore the diverse collection at your own pace through immersive exhibitions, or join a guided Behind the Scenes tour. View the historic aircraft on display, embark on a museum hunt with the kids, or test your flying skills in the Mosquito Mission flight simulator.
Free entry for New Zealanders or people living in New Zealand. There is a $15 entry fee for international visitors aged over 18. 9.30am to 4.30pm Daily (except for Christmas Day).
Quake city
'Quake City' is a special exhibition from Canterbury Museum telling stories from the Canterbury earthquakes. Hear from those who lived through the quakes and those who came to help. Open 10am - 5pm, 7 Days. Closed Christmas Day.
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