We're building a new Museum for Waitaha Canterbury – a world class facility to house the taonga (treasures) we care for and a place to tell the stories of our region and the people who live here.
The tired twentieth century buildings are being demolished, the iconic heritage buildings will be strengthened and restored, and base isolation added to most of the site.
We plan to reopen towards the end of 2028. A new building will wrap around the heritage buildings and connect with a glass walkway to the restored Robert McDougall Gallery. Here we'll display artworks from the collections of the Museum and other cultural institutions.
At the heart of the new Museum will be a soaring atrium and exhibition space named Araiteuru where mana whenua will bring to life their stories, both ancient and new. Visitors will rediscover favourites like The Christchurch Street and The Pāua Shell House. The Antarctic Gallery and Discovery will be reimagined and there'll be new exhibitions and spaces to explore.
