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Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu opened on 10 May, 2003 in the heart of the city's cultural precinct, bounded by Worcester Boulevard, Gloucester and Montreal Streets. The new $47.5 million facility features two floors of exhibition space, two educational activity areas, an auditorium, a café and wine bar, two retail outlets, a Sculpture Garden and underground parking.

The name ‘Te Puna’ honours waipuna, the well spring (the actual artesian spring on the site) and ‘Waiwhetu’ refers to one of the tributaries in the immediate vicinity, which flows into the Avon River. ‘Waiwhetu’ may also be translated as ‘water in which stars are reflected’.

The largest art institution in the South Island, the Gallery replaces the Robert McDougall Art Gallery (est. 1932) as the home of one of New Zealand’s most important public art collections.

Through purchases, bequests and donations, the Gallery’s Collection now totals over 5,500 items, including paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, glass, metalwork and photography.

The Gallery's permanent collections can be viewed in the first floor galleries. The Collections gallery is divided into three periods - historical, 20th century and contemporary. Two additional collection galleries feature changing shows of works on paper and glass and craft. As well, there are works displayed in the Foyer and Sculpture Garden.

The Gallery strives to connect people with art – emotionally and intellectually. We celebrate art and the creative art spirit.

Hours of Operation
10am to 5pm
10am to 9pm every Wednesday
Closed Christmas Day

Admission is free.

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