Last updated July 2026
Stepping into the Canterbury Museum offers visitors a direct connection to the cultural and natural heritage of Waitaha Canterbury and New Zealand. Founded in 1867, the museum holds a collection of 2.3 million objects that spans Māori taonga, natural history specimens and colonial artefacts. Its original Gothic Revival building on Rolleston Avenue, designed by Benjamin Mountfort, forms part of Christchurch’s Cultural Precinct and is registered as a Category I historic place. The main site closed in 2023 for a major redevelopment, but a pop-up venue at 66 Gloucester Street continues to provide public access to highlights from the collection and temporary exhibitions.
Practical Information
| Location (Pop-Up) | 66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch 8013 |
| Opening Hours (Pop-Up) | Daily, 9.00 am–5.30 pm (Oct–Mar); 9.00 am–5.00 pm (Apr–Sep) |
| Phone | 03 366 5000 |
| Website | canterburymuseum.com |
| Entry | Free entry; donations welcome |
| Status | Pop-up open; main Rolleston Avenue site closed for redevelopment until approximately 2029 |
| Collection Size | 2.3 million objects |
About Canterbury Museum
The Canterbury Museum was established on 3 December 1867 by geologist Julius von Haast, whose personal collection formed the foundation of the institution. It quickly grew into a major repository of regional and national significance, with a strong emphasis on natural history, Māori taonga and the story of European settlement in Canterbury.
The museum occupies a central place in Christchurch’s Cultural Precinct and has long served as an educational and research hub. Its collections document the environmental and cultural evolution of the region, from geological specimens to artefacts reflecting both Māori and colonial histories.
Even while the main building undergoes redevelopment, the museum maintains its commitment to public access and community engagement through the pop-up venue and ongoing online resources. The institution continues to honour its founding vision of preservation, research and education.
Architecture and Heritage
The original museum building, opened in 1870, is a Gothic Revival design by architect Benjamin Mountfort. Constructed from local Halswell basalt, it began as a single gallery space and received successive additions in the 1870s that extended its footprint and added functional areas. The 19th-century portions are protected as a Category I historic place on the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga list.
Later 20th-century wings were added in 1958 and 1977, with further structural work in the 1990s. The redevelopment project is restoring visible heritage elements from the Mountfort era while addressing seismic requirements and creating new exhibition spaces.
Redevelopment Project
The Canterbury Museum closed its Rolleston Avenue site in early 2023 to begin a comprehensive redevelopment expected to continue until around 2029. The project includes seismic strengthening, new storage and exhibition facilities, and restoration of the historic fabric. The collection of 2.3 million objects has been moved off-site for the duration of construction.
The project budget has risen from an original estimate of approximately $205 million to around $262 million due to inflation and construction cost increases. The museum continues to seek additional funding to complete the work on schedule. Live webcams and regular updates on progress are available on the official museum website.
Visiting the Pop-Up
While the main building is closed, visitors can explore a selection of collection highlights and rotating temporary exhibitions at the pop-up location on Gloucester Street. The venue dedicates roughly half its space to permanent favourites and the remainder to changing displays. It is centrally located and easily reached on foot or by public transport.
The pop-up offers a family-friendly experience with interactive elements and remains free to enter. Nearby attractions in the Cultural Precinct, including art galleries and historic sites, complement a visit. Current exhibition details and any changes to hours are listed on the museum’s official website.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the well-curated highlights on display at the pop-up and note that it provides a worthwhile introduction to the museum’s collections despite the main site being closed. Many comment on the friendly staff and the opportunity to see key artefacts up close.
Families mention that the temporary exhibitions are engaging for children, with interactive displays and dinosaur specimens proving especially popular. Reviewers often recommend checking the website for the latest exhibition schedule before visiting.
Where to Learn More
Canterbury Museum official website: Current visiting information, redevelopment updates and online collection access.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga: Official listing details and history of the Category I heritage building.
Christchurch City Council: Local context, population statistics and Cultural Precinct information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Canterbury Museum currently located?
The main Rolleston Avenue site is closed for redevelopment. A pop-up venue operates at 66 Gloucester Street in central Christchurch.
What is the size of the Canterbury Museum collection?
The museum holds approximately 2.3 million objects, including Māori taonga, natural history specimens and colonial artefacts.
Is the Canterbury Museum open to visitors during redevelopment?
Yes, the pop-up at 66 Gloucester Street is open daily and features collection highlights plus temporary exhibitions.
When did the Canterbury Museum first open?
The museum opened on 3 December 1867, founded by geologist Julius von Haast.
Who designed the original Canterbury Museum building?
Architect Benjamin Mountfort designed the Gothic Revival building that opened in 1870.
What is the current status of the redevelopment?
Construction began in 2023 and is expected to continue until around 2029, with the project budget now approximately $262 million.
Is entry to the pop-up free?
Yes, entry is free, although donations are welcomed to support the museum’s work.
Where can I find the latest exhibition information?
Current exhibitions, hours and redevelopment updates are published on the official Canterbury Museum website.
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