The Art Gallery's wave-form glass façade on Montreal Street is one of the most distinctive pieces of architecture in a city that now has many contenders for that title. Inside, the collection covers New Zealand and international art from the 19th century to the present, with particular strength in Canterbury artists and in Māori and Pacific work. The building's design by the Buchan Group creates a luminous interior that works well for both sculpture and paintings.
Admission is free for the permanent collection, with charges for major temporary exhibitions. The gallery runs a strong programme of talks, tours, and events, and the shop stocks some of the better design and art publications you will find in New Zealand. Check the website for current exhibitions before you go — the temporary shows have brought significant international work to Christchurch, and the city takes its art seriously.