A hidden antiquities gem

One of Christchurch’s hidden gems, the Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities, has celebrated a milestone with its 50,000th visitor since opening in 2017.

That’s roughly the same number of people it took to fill ancient Rome’s Colosseum. Part of the Arts Centre University of Canterbury campus, the museum houses more than three thousand years of human history through an amazing collection of artefacts from Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern cultures.

Visiting Professor Andrew Stewart, of the University of California Berkeley, says; “After Sydney’s Nicholson Museum, the [Teece Museum] Logie Collection is the finest Greek and Roman collection in Australasia.”

Current exhibition

MYTHS AND MORTALS: Life in Ancient Times

Meet the monstrous, mighty and mythical characters of the ancient world in the latest exhibition at the UC Teece Museum.

The ancient Greeks and Romans came from all walks of life, some barely survived in slavery while others led rich and fulfilling lives. Whether they were at the bottom or the top of the pecking order, the Greeks and Romans formed strong communities and shared a variety of cultures and beliefs, just as we do today.

‘Myths and Mortals’ features an array of amazing objects – marble sculptures, elaborate vases, jewellery, armour and more. These artefacts capture the epic myths and stories, the rise and fall of empires, the glorious competitions in sport and war, and the everyday lives of people in ancient times.

Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities
3 Hereford St, Christchurch
11am-3pm, Wednesday-Sunday