An award-winning New Zealand tourist attraction, the Arts Centre of Christchurch is at the hub of Christchurch’s cultural precinct. Within its parameters visitors will find an exciting diversity of original New Zealand art and crafts as well as bars, restaurants, cafés and live entertainment.
Arts Centre of Christchurch - Heritage and History of Gothic Revival Architecture
Ambling through the Arts Centre might be even more fascinating if the Gothic Revival buildings were deserted of visitors. Unfortunately for thrill-seekers of the Gothic persuasion, the Arts Centre hums with activity seven days a week. The medieval-style buildings house a vibrant collection of original New Zealand art and crafts from textile art to pottery, jewellery, painting in all disciplines, carving in wood and bone, and many more artistic practices, as well as a wonderful bookstore displaying New Zealand literature in all genres.
Beginning in the late 1800s the complex of buildings that was designed to house Canterbury College took around five decades to complete. The Gothic Revival architectural style was established by Benjamin Woolfield Mountford who arrived in New Zealand in 1850 and quickly established himself as one of the country’s leading architects. Later, Samuel Hurst Seagar cemented the style, impressing his own ‘grand design’ with cloistered arcades and quadrangles that reinforce the shadowy ambience of the Middle Ages.
Ernest, Lord Rutherford, known world wide as the ‘Father of the Atom’ graduated from Canterbury College in 1894.‘Rutherford’s Den’ where he began his lifelong research into electrical technology is a centre of learning dedicated to his life and science.
Diverse New Zealand Art and Crafts at the Arts Centre and Weekend Market
The Arts Centre of Christchurch supports artmakers and artisans working across a vibrant spectrum of disciplines. A randomly selected list of just a few practitioners illustrates the diversity of work at the Arts Centre of Christchurch.
- AgnesFoss (trade name) creates delightful pieces of millinery and other accessories from raw carded Merino wool. Dyed in rich colours, the felted wool incorporates silk, lace, organza and embroidery. Hats are reminiscent of 1920s style with a funky 21st century twist.
- Professional nature photographer Andrew Walmsley displays stunning photographs of New Zealand wildlife and scenery. Permanent photograph displays are in ‘Upstairs Artz’ at the Arts Centre as well as at the weekend market.
- Malcolm Mason paints fine art in oils and watercolours. Mason achieves subtle tones and atmosphere in his restrained, peaceful works.
- Mary Johnstone is an equine artist whose realistic portraits of harness racing have been purchased for private collections around the world.
- Contemporary jeweller Debra Fallowfield creates unique custom-designed jewellery and statement pieces that are an exciting fusion of fashion and art.
- Te Toi Mana Maori Art Gallery displays original paintings by Maori artists.
- Salamander gallery features New Zealand and Pacifica Artwork.
- White Cloud pewter jewellery handcrafted in Christchurch from solid pewter. Very reasonably priced.
- Westland Pottery and Silk - handpainted silk, pottery and ceramics.
- Blue Earth handcrafted body care products using natural raw ingredients.
Arts Centre of Christchurch New Zealand – Fact Bites
- Retail shops, galleries and studios are open 10am -5pm Monday to Sunday. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday and until 1:00pm on ANZAC Day (25 April).
- Arts Centre Information is open 9:30am-5pm Monday to Sunday. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday and until 1:00pm on ANZAC Day (25 April).
- Rutherford’s Den is open 10am-5pm Monday to Sunday. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday and until 1:00pm on ANZAC Day (25 April).
Devote a morning or afternoon to the Arts Centre of Christchurch. The Arts Centre is within easy walking distance of the CBD and is a drop-off point for the Christchurch Tram. The Christchurch Art Gallery is just across the road, the Avon River a step away, and there are many cafes and restaurants to choose from – or savour a delicious open-air bite from one of the kiosks – excellent. Arts Centre of Christchurch: Worcester Boulevard, PO Box 845, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. Ph: +64 3 366 0989; Fax: +64 3 379 7576.
Lyn Rasmussen - Lyn is a New Zealander who lives in the centre of New Zealand's Volcanic Wonderland. She has been recognised for her writing across ...
