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Art museum · Christchurch, Canterbury
Christchurch Art Gallery — Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Christchurch's public art gallery, opened in 2003 in a glass-fronted central building. It served as Civil Defence headquarters after the earthquakes and reopened in 2015, with a collection of New Zealand and Pacific art.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Christchurch Art Gallery — Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Christchurch Art Gallery, Te Puna o Waiwhetū, is the main art museum of the South Island. It opened in May 2003 in a modern glass-and-metal building in the city center, replacing the former Robert McDougall Gallery, which was in the Botanic Gardens.
After the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, the building became the city’s Civil Defence headquarters and remained closed to the public until December 2015, when it reopened after strengthening work. The Māori name refers to a spring that once existed on the site.
The collection includes painting, sculpture, photography and contemporary art, with emphasis on New Zealand and Canterbury artists and a Pacific art collection expanded by donations. Temporary exhibitions change throughout the year, and the exterior features large-scale artworks.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours.
Best time
Any time of year, especially on rainy or cold days. Check opening hours and exhibitions before you go.
How to get there
It is in central Christchurch, at the corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, about a 5-minute walk from Cathedral Square.
Tip
Entrance to the permanent collection is usually free to the public; some temporary exhibitions charge a separate fee. Combine it with a visit to the Botanic Gardens, a few blocks away.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Christchurch Art Gallery — Te Puna o Waiwhetū
What is in the Christchurch Art Gallery?
New Zealand and Canterbury art, a Pacific art collection, and temporary contemporary art exhibitions.
Is there an entry fee for the Christchurch Art Gallery?
The permanent collection is usually free to enter; some temporary exhibitions have separate fees. Check before you go.
Where is the Christchurch Art Gallery located?
In the city center, at the corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, near Cathedral Square and the Botanic Gardens.