Located right across from the Christchurch Botanic Gardens is another free place to visit, the Arts…read moreCentre of Christchurch. The Arts Centre takes up the entire block, and it's nice place to wander around and take in the architecture of the buildings, the numerous exhibits, and the beautiful scenery. There are also food trucks, cafes, small shops, and even a hotel! The exhibits are a mix of art and science with Rutherford's Den with sensory displays and the Physics Room, which is self-explanatory. While art isn't really my thing, everywhere was very well maintained and clean. I suppose the most interesting part was the "Floating House" above the courtyard. Overall, the Arts Centre is a nice place to walk around and enjoy the exhibits as well as find food trucks and other international eateries. It's right across the street from the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and nearby other attractions.

A mix of history and the present…read more Located in the heart of Christchurch, The Arts Centre is an Aotearoa New Zealand landmark - home to galleries, museums, cinemas, boutique retailers, artisan eateries and bars, engaging events, stunning venues and much more. Full of history and architectural beauty. Once these buildings were the home to Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury). The 23 buildings are a fantastic place to spend some time. Take in the architecture, the quaint shops, a gallery, a bite, or stay the night. One of the buildings is a gorgeous hotel. As I wandered the grounds and buildings, I stumbled into more of the history. In the Clock Tower, the den is home to the actual rooms where Rutherford, the father of nuclear physics, studied while a student at Canterbury College. Including the restored Victorian lecture theatre. It felt a little bit out of Harry Potter. Imagine standing where Rutherford made so many scientific discoveries. Later giving us tv, radio, sonar and telephones. So many great shops and galleries I wandered through for almost three hours. I'm glad I found the center. Wished I had known more about it sooner.

This art gallery is FREE, but donations are encouraged to continue this. A great indoor activity to…read morekill at least 1-2 hours depending on your interest and level of appreciation for art. The museum floor plan is expansive, spanning from the ground level to the upper floors, so it's a must do while in Central ChCh. Plenty of portraits, abstracts, and modern art to learn about. I especially loved how many a piece paid tribute to the Maori culture. I was able to learn about their plight, stolen lands, and continued struggles in the present to reclaim their land. Lands which have seemingly transformed and ultimately have been destroyed to the point of unrecognition. It's crazy how history repeats itself in different parts of the world. An amazing gallery with beautiful pieces! A perfect way to learn about New Zealand and its culture!

Art, art, art. This is the fun stuff I want to see what I travel and this morning's visit to the…read moreChristchurch Art Gallery was a fabulous way to see exactly what I wanted. Especially so on a drizzly day. Perfect museum day! Expect two hours of great portraits, landscapes and abstracts. A few names I recognized like Hepworth and Rodin. And definitely look around and up at some of the pieces hanging from the ceiling and along the stairs. Easily miss able and that would be a shame. [Review 384 of 2024 - 37 in New Zealand - 21417 overall]

Very lovely gallery with a large amount of very artistic pieces. They have a wide range of items…read morefor sale from ceramics, glass and a lot of jewelery. I was tempted to buy so many items I had to hold back! I only wish they had perfume bottles from an artist as I love finding unique pieces. The people were very friendly and there to help you.