Why Canterbury Has The Biggest And Best Art Galleries Across The Land
With more than 470 public museums and art galleries across New Zealand, it’s safe to say Kiwis are an especially cultural bunch. That’s 10 museums or galleries per 100,000 people, not to mention the thousands of painters, sculptors, carvers and crafters who showcase their masterpieces in studios everywhere you go.
We get it. It can be impossible to know where to begin. Luckily, we’ve done the hard yards to bring you the biggest and best art galleries that can only be explored in Christchurch and rest of The Central South Island.
Christchurch Art Gallery, Christchurch
Standing proud in a bustling city centre, the Christchurch Art Gallery houses one of the country’s most significant public art collections. Spread across nine exhibition spaces, marvel at more than 6000 historical and contemporary pieces created by internationally acclaimed artists from New Zealand and abroad. The building itself is even a piece of art – the spectacular glass façade resembles the flow of the Avon River. With ever-changing exhibitions, workshops, a library, a restaurant and one of the best gift shops in town, it’s super easy to spend all day here.
Corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, Christchurch
Ravenscar House Museum, Christchurch
The Ravenscar House isn’t a museum. It’s not an art gallery either – it falls somewhere in between. The boundary-pushing building is a reimagining of a passionate Christchurch couple’s former seaside home filled with stunning artworks they’ve collected since the late 1980s. Think New Zealand paintings, sculptures, decorative glass, antiquities and designer furniture artfully displayed around rooms that resemble the original home. Ravenscar’s neo-Gothic features are also a nod to its neighbouring central city heritage buildings.
52 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch
Ashburton Art Gallery, Mid Canterbury
Devoted to experimentation, innovation and engagement, the Ashburton Art Gallery is a hub of creativity that’s exemplified the masterpieces of local and national artists for more than two decades. Displaying pieces of historical or artistic significance to the region remains a strong focus for the volunteer-run gallery — at the heart of the collection is the works of internationally celebrated, Ashburton-born children’s book author and illustrator David Elliot. Expand your imagination with a hands-on workshop, artist talk or film screening.
Little River Art Gallery, Banks Peninsula
A must-visit en route to Akaroa, The Little River Art Gallery showcases leading Kiwi artists who’ve made magic with oils or acrylics on canvas, to sculpture, jewellery and ceramic mediums. Built on the site of a 120-year-old store destroyed by fire, the Banks Peninsula gallery encompasses a gift shop, exhibition space and sculpture garden. Once you’ve decided on a local keepsake to take home, pop next door to Little River Café for excellent coffee and homemade fare.
Christchurch Akaroa Road, Little River
