About Canterbury Museum
Established in 1870, Canterbury Museum is a major guardian of Canterbury’s cultural and natural heritage. Its collection includes more than 2.3 million objects, among them Māori taonga, natural history specimens, and artifacts from Antarctic exploration. The museum attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and contributes to Christchurch’s economy and reputation as a cultural destination.
The museum is currently closed for redevelopment. Its Pop-Up Museum at 66 Gloucester Street continues to make selected collections and programs accessible to the public, in Christchurch’s Cultural Precinct (Canterbury Museum Pop-Up).
History and redevelopment
The original museum building on Rolleston Avenue is a Gothic Revival landmark designed by Benjamin Mountfort. Its stonework and style reflect Christchurch’s Victorian-era architecture and colonial history (christchurchnz.info).
The museum is undergoing a major redevelopment to improve earthquake resilience, modernize facilities, and expand exhibition space to 1.5 times its current area while preserving the building’s heritage character. The project includes seismic strengthening and integration with the Robert McDougall Gallery. Reopening is planned for late 2028 or early 2029 (Canterbury Museum Redevelopment, ODT News). During construction, the collection is being kept in secure storage (Wikipedia).
The museum works closely with mana whenua as part of its bicultural partnership, co-curating exhibits and spaces such as Araiteuru. This work shares Māori stories and reflects Te Tiriti o Waitangi values.
What to see
Museum collections and exhibits
The museum’s collections include:
- Antarctic Gallery Artifacts from pioneering expeditions, including Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Discovery Expedition medal (1news.co.nz).
- Christchurch Street A recreation of a Victorian-era Christchurch street, with authentic shopfronts and interiors.
- Pāua Shell House Kiwi folk art inspired by the Flutey family’s pāua shell-adorned home.
- Māori Galleries Taonga Māori, including carvings and treasures cared for in partnership with mana whenua.
- Earthquake exhibits Stories and scientific insights about the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes.
- Natural history and geology The world’s largest moa bone collection, native bird specimens, and geological artifacts.
- Māori and Pacific taonga Carved wharenui elements, weapons, tools, and Pacific ceremonial objects.
- Social and colonial history Displays about settler life and folk art.
- Decorative arts and costume Garments from different eras and Asian ornamental art.
- Children’s Discovery Interactive spaces including the Discovery Room and Bugs in Your Backyard.
Pop-Up Museum exhibitions
The Pop-Up Museum presents selected collection highlights and rotating exhibitions. Its displays include:
- Taonga Māori and Pasifika Indigenous and Pacific cultural treasures.
- Antarctic collection Items including reindeer hide boots from the Discovery Expedition and Captain Scott’s Polar Medal (ChristchurchNZ).
- Natural history and local icons Moa bones, taxidermied animals, and features from Christchurch Street.
- Community favourites Ivan Mauger’s gold bike and other city memorabilia (Neat Places).
- Rotating exhibitions “He Riri Awatea: Filming the New Zealand Wars,” the “Matariki Trail,” and other temporary displays.
Visiting information
Hours and admission
The main museum is closed for redevelopment. When open, its listed hours are daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, except Christmas Day and Good Friday. General admission is free; selected exhibitions or guided tours may require paid tickets, available online or onsite (whichmuseum.com).
The Pop-Up Museum is at 66 Gloucester Street, within the Centre of Contemporary Art (CoCA) building (Canterbury Museum Pop-Up). Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Its listed hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Thursday is also listed as open until 5:30 PM; and weekends, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Getting there
The main museum is on Rolleston Avenue, adjacent to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the Arts Centre. It is accessible on foot, by public transport on multiple bus routes, or by car, with parking nearby.
The Pop-Up Museum is in the central Cultural Precinct, near the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, the Arts Centre, the Botanic Gardens, and Quake City (Neat Places). Bus routes and the central bus terminus are nearby, and parking is available within walking distance.
Accessibility, facilities, and programs
The main museum offers wheelchair access, accessible restrooms, and facilities for visitors with hearing or vision impairments. The Pop-Up Museum is fully accessible, with elevators and accessible restrooms.
The Pop-Up has a café serving Allpress espresso and fresh food, as well as family-friendly spaces and activities. Photography for personal use is allowed except where restricted.
The museum offers guided tours led by expert staff and educational programs for all age groups, including outreach to local schools and community groups (canterburymuseum.com). Tours and programs can be booked in advance. Virtual tours and high-quality images of the museum, exhibits, and redevelopment plans are available via the official website.
Tips
A visit can be combined with nearby cultural institutions for a full day exploring Christchurch. The Pop-Up Museum also provides access to collection highlights and exhibitions while the main museum is closed.
Nearby places
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the Arts Centre are adjacent to the main museum. Other nearby cultural and historical attractions include the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and Quake City.
For more about the city’s cultural attractions, see the Christchurch Art Gallery guide and explore New Zealand cultural sites.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Canterbury Museum visiting hours?
The main museum is closed for redevelopment. The Pop-Up Museum is listed as open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with Thursday also listed until 5:30 PM, and weekends, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Is there an entry fee?
Admission is free at the main museum when it is open and at the Pop-Up Museum. Donations are welcome at the Pop-Up.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Guided tours and educational programs are available and can be booked in advance.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes. Both the main museum and the Pop-Up are described as fully accessible. The main site also offers facilities for visitors with hearing or vision impairments.
Where is the museum located?
The main site is on Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, and is closed for redevelopment. The Pop-Up Museum is at 66 Gloucester Street, within the CoCA building.
When will the main museum reopen?
Reopening is scheduled for late 2028 or early 2029, following redevelopment.
Where can I find updates and digital resources?
Updates are available through the official Canterbury Museum website and the museum’s social media. The Audiala app is also mentioned as a source of digital resources, audio tours, and content.
