The Canterbury Museum is a museum located in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand, in the city's Cultural Precinct. The museum was established in 1867 with Julius von Haast – whose collection formed its core – as its first director. The building is registered as a "Historic Place – Category I " by Heritage New Zealand.
The title curator and director has been used interchangeably during the history of Canterbury Museum. Von Haast was the museum's inaugural director; Haast died in 1887. Following Haast's death, Frederick Hutton was acting director until Henry Ogg Forbes took on a permanent position in December 1888 upon his return from England. In August 1892, Forbes permanently moved to England, and Hutton was appointed full director from May 1892 until October 1905. Hutton applied for leave to travel to England, and Charles Chilton was acting director from March 1905; Hutton died on his return journey from England and Chilton retained his acting role until April 1906, when Edgar Ravenswood Waite received a permanent appointment. Waite was director for eight years until March 1914, when he took the equivalent role at the South Australian Museum.
Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
luke brown | Mar 3, 2018
Amazing place! Lots of interesting displays and information. All ages will enjoy this place. Has the botanical gardens on the same grounds which is nice to walk around and grab a coffee. Best of all it's free! But they accept donations at entry, what's $5 for a few hours entertainment.
nenetzin vidal | Feb 16, 2018
This is an amazing museum, they have interesting areas of the museum and some expositions that they change every while. They even have a replica of the Christchurch street that I loved! You can actually get in to the stores and feel part of it. The museum is free of charge and afterwords you can always walk on the gardens that they are around the museum. Also, a lot of free shuttles and excursions at round the city start on this museum.
Julie Jackson | Feb 22, 2018
If you only have a short time in Christchurch then you must visit this museum and the next door botanical gardens. Huge range of exhibits so something for everyone. I particularly liked the national geographic photo display. Better than other city attractions for which you have to spend a lot to visit
Wayne Murphy | Jan 31, 2018
Excellent museum that punches well above its size and contains a host of fascinating displays. Free entry (with donations gratefully accepted)) makes this a perfect place to spend a few hours. If you're bringing children, save a couple of dollars for access to the kids area where they can easily spend another couple of hours romping about. Well worth a visit!
Fiona Smith | Feb 21, 2018
A must see for any visitor to Christchurch. Great fun for the kids and they might learn something. Nice gift shop and tasty cafe though both are pricey catering for the tourists. Lovely setting in the Botanical gardens and near old University/Arts centre.
Margot Cate | Mar 29, 2018
Great museum! The Antarctic exhibit is wonderful. Every time I go, there is something new to see. And, it's free! They just ask for a donation if you're willing. The museum is also surrounded by beautiful gardens and plenty of good restaurants.
Jane Preston | Mar 23, 2018
This is one if the best museums we have ever visited. Their exhibits are fabulous and their WW1 display is very moving. Spent a rainy afternoon there and then had to return the next morning as we had only seen half of it. The museum and botanical gardens are a must if you visit Christchurch.
Jacquie Laurie | May 2, 2018
Beautiful place to visit. Lots of interesting things to see. Fabulous staff and friendly. Gold coin donation. Love the shell house. Stunning. Take your time to see what they have to offer and learn.
AnGeLo BeAu | Apr 30, 2018
Beautiful museum with lots of arts and culture to explore. Well within reach as it's just in the tramway stop. Also got nice shop to buy souvenirs. Also a really nice cafe on to floor with amazing views of the garden. Such an amazing place to visit if you are in Christchurch. Don't miss
Phuc Huynh | Apr 28, 2018
Great museum. Free entrance. A lot to learn: history & war, culture & lifestyles, nature, solar system, birds, animals, insects, water system etc. This place is suitable for both adults & kids. Good displaying! Car park is on the road in front of the museum or there are some car park around.
Adam J | May 19, 2018
Visited the museum not expecting much but I was blown away. I'd say it's a better museum than Te Papa in Wellington because the variety of exhibitions they have are great. I would really recommend the Arctic exhibition they have and the old retail street they have recreated. Highly recommend paying a visit
Janet Doyle | Jun 5, 2018
Wonderful scenes of early Christchurch, I enjoyed talking to Nurse Maud. I saw children having a great time in the kid friendly spaces, and trying out the penny farthing bicycle. Massive collection of china and silver objects. A good range of dresses and uniforms on display. Even a tiny child just toddling recognised the dinosaur skeleton
Antonieta Diaz | Jun 2, 2018
Excellent place. It's a small museum, but very interesting and all you see there is lovely. They also have always interactive things to do, for all the family.
Ilya Genkin | Jul 15, 2018
What a local gem! By the number of exhibits per square meter they are one of the best. You are not expecting lots of stuff from a non-major museum, but they packed so much in so little space. New Zealand history and settlement, Maori history, war, Universe and science, Antarctic exploration, geology, biology, Egypt, China, Japan, environment and so on. One of the best museums I've seen (and I've seen a lot of them). Not the boring one, but very live with easy narrative style and full of fun for all ages. Lots of 'touch me' exhibits. Highly recommended and you won't be disappointed. Just don't try cafe upstairs. I had to give them 1-star rating.
Jordan Wilson | Jun 20, 2018
amazing step back in time, impressive realistically displayed art work show casing the history of New Zealand. My experience was well catered for, my daughter's young mind through to someone with more understanding of history. was a nice day, finishing up enjoying late lunch in cafeteria with scenic views. thanks guys .
Sean Barrett | Jun 12, 2018
We were very impressed by the various displays on offer at the museum. The children enjoyed the light display (especially the VR experience) and the various vehicles on display. The Antarctic section was really fascinating to me personally and I enjoyed the history of its exploration depicted. Perfect for a rainy weekend day.
Karen Cox | Jul 17, 2018
The museum free entrance but donations are welcome. Suitable for all ages discovery centre fun for children to touch, feel and see. The museum is a great place to visit for locals and tourists.
Sandra Stapleton | Jul 23, 2018
Love all the activity in school holidays. Grand children love it. If you need a wheelchair. Ring first to book. Disabled park just outside of museum.
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