Christchurch Art Gallery

Browse exhibitions of works by artists from New Zealand and around the world displayed in the halls of a striking glass-fronted building.

Discover one of New Zealand’s most significant art collections at the Christchurch Art Gallery (officially Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu). Find work by New Zealanders, Māori people and world-famous international artists among the gallery’s catalogue of some 6,000 pieces. Inaugurated in 2003, the Christchurch Art Gallery replaced the former Robert McDougall Art Gallery as the city’s major gallery. It operated as Civil Defence office after the 2011 earthquake and reopened as a gallery at the end of 2015.

The collections are displayed in the halls of a modern building, which boasts an impressive 90 metre (295 foot) façade made from glass and metal. Find everything from bronze sculptures to pop art and woodcarvings. Admire the paintings of Māori dignitaries by Auckland-born Charles Frederick Goldie and see watercolours by Peter McIntyre.

Spend time appreciating pieces by acclaimed international painters. Highlights include a series of sketches by the Dutch-born New Zealander Petrus van der Velden. Spot masterpieces by Spanish masters such as Francisco Jose de Goya, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.

Don’t miss the multimedia exhibition of animal-themed works, which range from paintings to life-size models. Be dazzled by Reuben Paterson’s futuristic elevator instillation influenced by Māori cosmology.

Save time to examine the building’s exterior. It is decorated with two imposing works. One is a huge mural inspired by the trials and tribulations faced by the city of Christchurch in the aftermath of the earthquakes. The other is a 46-metre (151-feet) long slogan made from neon lights that says Everything Is Going To Be Alright.

Located Christchurch’s Cultural Precinct, the gallery is a short walk from other major city attractions. Delve into the history of the Canterbury region at the nearby Canterbury Museum. It sits on the edge of Hagley Park, a huge green space that includes the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Stroll along the banks of the Avon River to the Bridge of Remembrance.

Christchurch Art Gallery is open daily and admission is free. Free guided tours take place twice daily. More information is available on the gallery’s official website.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Christchurch Art Gallery

Canterbury Museum

Discover arctic cold, visit indigenous New Zealand and journey back to the age of the dinosaurs at this extensive museum.

Bridge of Remembrance

Walk across this important stone bridge, which pays homage to the Christchurch residents that served in the two world wars.

Punting on the Avon

Experience the best garden and urban scenery in Christchurch from the calm waters of the River Avon.

Re:START Mall

Find the latest fashions and an assortment of traditional New Zealand artwork along with superb food and drink at this unusual modern shopping centre.

Christchurch

Christchurch, or “ChCh” to those in the know, is a creative, cultural university city that is both blessed and cursed by Mother Nature.

Hotels near Christchurch Art Gallery

ibis Christchurch

107 Hereford St

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Christchurch I-SITE, Cashel Mall, and Bridge of Remembrance. Theatre Royal and Canterbury Earthquake Memorial are also within 10 minutes.

Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch

166 Gloucester Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of New Regent Street and Christchurch Casino. Christchurch Public Hospital is 1 mi (1.7 km) away.

Dorset House Backpackers

1 DORSET STREETCENTRAL CITY

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Christchurch Casino, Canterbury Museum, and Christchurch Art Gallery. Hagley Golf Course and Christchurch I-SITE are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Amross Court Motor Lodge

61 Bealey Ave

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Bealey Avenue and Christchurch Casino. Christchurch Public Hospital is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) away.

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

50 Cathedral Square

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Theatre Royal and Christchurch Casino. Canterbury Museum and Riccarton House are also within 3 mi (5 km).

City Central Motel Apartments

252 Barbadoes Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this eco-friendly motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Cardboard Cathedral and Christchurch Casino. Christchurch Public Hospital is 1.3 mi (2 km) away.

Hotel Give

12 Hereford Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Public Hospital. Christchurch Casino is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) away.

Salerno Motel Apartments

148 Bealey Avenue

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Christchurch Casino, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and Hagley Park. Christchurch Public Hospital and University of Canterbury are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Southwark Hotel & Apartments

25 Southwark Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, Christchurch Public Hospital, and Christchurch Casino. Cardboard Cathedral and Re:START Mall are also within 15 minutes.

Heritage Christchurch

28 - 30 Cathedral Square

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Cathedral Square and Christchurch Casino. Christchurch Public Hospital is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) away.

Colombo in the City

863 Colombo St

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Theatre Royal and Canterbury Museum. Riccarton House and University of Canterbury are also within 3 mi (5 km).

CentrePoint on Colombo Motel

859 Colombo StreetCentral City, Central City

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Bealey Avenue and Christchurch Casino. Christchurch Public Hospital is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) away.

The Classic Villa

17 Worcester BlvdChristchurch Arts Center, Christchurch Arts Center

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this luxury lodge is within a 10-minute walk of Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Public Hospital. Christchurch Casino is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) away.

136 On Bealey - Motel

136 Bealey Avenue

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Bealey Avenue and Christchurch Casino. Christchurch Public Hospital is 1.6 mi (2.5 km) away.

Bealey Avenue Motel

229 Bealey Avenue

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Bealey Avenue and Christchurch Casino. Christchurch Public Hospital is 1.8 mi (2.8 km) away.

Country Glen Lodge

107 Bealey Avenue

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Christchurch motel is located near the airport, within a 10-minute walk of Bealey Avenue and Christchurch Casino. Christchurch Public Hospital is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) away.

The George Christchurch

50 Park Terrace

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Christchurch Casino, Christ's College, and Canterbury Museum. Christchurch Botanic Gardens is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) away.

Hotel 115 Christchurch

115 Worcester Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Christchurch, this hotel is within walking distance of Theatre Royal, New Regent Street, and Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre. Also nearby are Riverside Market and Christchurch Art Gallery.

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

30 Latimer Square

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Riverside Market and Christchurch Casino. Christchurch Public Hospital and Christchurch Botanic Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km).

City Centre Motel

876 Colombo St

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Cathedral Square and Theatre Royal. Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Public Hospital are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Abbey Motor Lodge

209 Bealey Avenue

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Bealey Avenue and Christchurch Casino. Christchurch Public Hospital is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) away.

Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments

113 Worcester Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this eco-friendly apartment building is steps from New Regent Street and Theatre Royal. Margaret Mahy Playground and The Crossing are also within 10 minutes.

The Grange Boutique B & B

56 Armagh Street

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this romantic bed & breakfast is within a 10-minute walk of Quake City and Christchurch Casino. Christchurch Public Hospital is 0.8 mi (1.2 km) away.

YHA Christchurch

36 Hereford St

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this eco-friendly hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Christchurch Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum, and The Arts Centre. Bridge of Remembrance and Riverside Market are also within 10 minutes.