Visit
Welcome to Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, home to one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most important public art collections.
Open 10am until 5pm daily
Late night Wednesday until 9pm
Free entry
Corner Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street
Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
info@christchurchartgallery.org.nz
Tel (+64 3) 941 7300
Getting here
Bus
The Gallery is a pleasant ten minute stroll from the central bus exchange. Bus 8 (Airport to Lyttelton) crosses Montreal Street one block south of the Gallery, approximately a two-minute walk from the Gallery. You can plan your bus trip here.
Walking
The Gallery is situated on the corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, easy walking distance from the central bus interchange and central city attractions.
Cycling
Christchurch has a network of cycleways and cycle lanes – see the map of these here. Bike racks are available on the Gallery forecourt.
Driving
We have the most colourful underground car parking in the city. Probably the country really.
Tram
If you are sightseeing in Christchurch the tram stops right outside the Gallery.
In the Gallery
- Accessibility
The Gallery has wheelchair access and accessible toilets. We also have two wheelchairs available for visitors to borrow. A lift takes you to the upstairs galleries and down to the underground car park. The auditorium has wheelchair seating.
Families
We’re family-friendly and we’re here to help – if you need more information or assistance just come to the front desk or ask one of our visitor hosts.
- You’ll find a parenting room on the ground floor
- Toilets are located on both floors
- Strollers and bags can be stored in the cloakroom behind the front desk for free
- We run fun art classes for all ages during the school holidays. Check out our event listings or ask at the front desk for more information.
- • We offer free guided art tours especially for parents with babies on the first Thursday of each month at 10:15am. Buggies welcome.
Photography
You’re welcome to take photographs in the Gallery, however please don’t infringe copyright. Some works, for reasons other than copyright, cannot be photographed and you will see a no photography label by the work. Please respect this. Please also note that you may not use selfie sticks, flash photography, tripods, lighting or other equipment (including long lenses) as these may both endanger our collections and impede other people's enjoyment of the Gallery.
If you wish to arrange a photo shoot, bring a photography group, or use any of the equipment listed above please contact us here to discuss your request.
If you wish to reproduce a work in the Gallery’s collection you may find out more and apply for a license here.
Drawing
You’re welcome to draw in the Gallery using graphite pencils and sketchbooks that can be used without supports. Please do not lean on cases, exhibits or walls. You are welcome to use Gallery stools which are available at the front desk. Please also note, you may not use any other materials or easels as these may both endanger our collections and impede other people’s enjoyment of the Gallery.
Café
The Thirsty Peacock is open daily 10am–late
Contact them on (+64) 03-379 5214 or visit their website for more information: thirstypeacock.co.nz
Design Store
The Design Store brings you an ever-changing range of creative products inspired by the Gallery’s collection and exhibitions. From thoughtful books and delightful cards to gorgeous jewellery, sweets and imaginative gifts, we help connect people to art in surprising and compelling ways.
Visiting the Gallery with Children
The Gallery is a great place to bring children! In order to protect tamariki and care for the artworks in our building, we ask our visitors to adhere to Gallery guidelines. By entering Te Puna o Waiwhetū, you are agreeing to the following:
Child and Artwork Protection Policy.
No touching or getting close to the artwork or frames
~ Why? Because some of the art is delicate and breakable, but mostly to protect them from getting dirty and damaged over time.
No running inside the Gallery
~ Why? To avoid trips and falls and to make sure artworks are not damaged by the vibrations of running feet.
Use inside voices
~ Why? To make sure all our visitors can enjoy the space.
When using the stairs keep left and hold on to the rail
~ Why? To keep tamariki safe and to make it easy for other visitors to use the stairs.
No food or drink in the exhibition spaces
~ Why? To protect artworks from being damaged by spills and any pests attracted to the crumbs. You are welcome to eat and drink in the foyer.
No backpacks or large bags in the exhibition spaces
~ Why? To avoid damage caused by accidental bumps. A free coat check is available at the front desk.
Graphite pencils only - No markers, crayons, coloured pencils or pens are permitted in the exhibition spaces.
~ Why? To protect artworks from damage.
All children under 14 must be supervised as follows:
Children under 7 must be in arm’s reach at all times.
Children aged 7–12 must be in eyesight of their carer at all times.
Children aged 12-–14 must have a carer inside the Gallery at all times.
Children and individuals with specific access needs should be supervised in a way which keeps both the art works and the person safe.
These guidelines ensure that children can enjoy moving around the art works safely and respond to any emergency situation that may arise.
Carers should actively assist children to enjoy the Gallery without running or touching artworks.
In the event that the safety of a child or artwork is at risk, and the carer has not taken steps to resolve the risk, Gallery staff may intervene as is reasonable and appropriate in order to avoid damage or injury. This may include physical contact with the child by placing themselves between the child and the artwork or moving the child if necessary.
Please note, for the safety of our visitors and artworks, the Gallery is monitored 24/7 with CCTV security.