Discover Ōtautahi through architecture

by Metropol | April 15, 2026 8:33 am

Open Christchurch, the annual festival of architectural excellence returns from 1 to 3 May with 52 buildings to explore.

Immerse yourself in the world of architecture through countless open buildings, 40-plus activities, special events and guided walks. This year’s programme shines the spotlight on unusual and unexpected gems, over 100 years of design excellence in sacred spaces and a range of recreation buildings. From the rare postmodernist building First Church of Christ Scientist and the copper cased Knox Church to the Arts & Crafts Nurses’ Memorial Chapel and stunning Rose Historic chapel, this is an architectural treasure hunt.

Open Christchurch is run by Te Pūtahi Centre for Architecture and City Making, an organisation dedicated to making it fun and desirable for everybody to participate in the shaping and enjoyment of Ōtautahi Christchurch. “The festival is the result of the efforts of many – of collective energies and enthusiasms,” says Te Pūtahi director Jessica Halliday. “The event is based on a simple proposition: good design improves people’s lives. By making good design and architecture accessible and understandable, Open Christchurch encourages people to explore and debate the value of a well-designed environment,” Jessica explains.

“Over the first weekend in May, we invite residents and visitors to get up close to buildings they love and to discover new spaces.”

Ultimately the festival contributes to a welcoming, open civic culture in which everyone can participate and which fosters a greater sense of belonging and connection. Download your own printable programme and view what’s on offer between buildings and interactive events at openchch.nz.

Sacred spaces

This year’s Open Christchurch festival from 1 to 3 May celebrates architectural excellence across the city’s cherished sacred spaces to iconic public places.

Religion and spirituality has had a profound impact on the built environment of Christchurch. The city is dotted with architectural and historic gems from more than 100 years of design excellence in sacred spaces. Take the opportunity to explore these unique buildings during the Open Christchurch festival. Go to openchch.nz for the public opening times as well as timings for free tours with an architectural historian.

48 Knox Church, 28 Bealey Ave, central city Architects: Robert & Edward England, 1902; Restoration: Wilkie & Bruce Architects, 2014. Photo by Dennis Radermacher.

Saint Saviour’s at Holy Trinity, 17 Winchester Street, Lyttelton Architect: C. J. Mountfort, 1885; Restoration: Dave Pearson Architects, 2015. Photo by Peanut Productions.

Nurses’ Memorial Chapel, 2 Riccarton Ave, central city Architect: Collins and Harman, 1927; Restoration: Tony Ussher Architect, 2018. Photo by Peanut Productions.

Rose Historic Chapel, 886 Colombo Street, central city Architect: Alfred and Sidney Luttrell, 1911; Restoration: Dave Pearson Architects, 2018. Photo by Sarah Rowlands.

Knox Church Parish Hall, 30 Bealey Ave, city Architect: Pascoe & Linton, 1964; Interior refurbishment: Wilkie + Bruce, 1993. Photo by Peanut Productions.

Civic spaces

New Regent St, Architect: Francis Willis, 1932; Restoration: Fulton Ross, 2013. Photo by Sarah Rowlands.

Government Departmental Buildings, now OGB Architect: Joseph Clarkson Maddison, 1913. Photo by Peanut Productions.

Sumner Post Office 40 Nayland St, Sumner W. H. Trengrove, 1938; AW Architects; 2024. Photo by Sarah Rowlands.

Mona Vale Bath House, 40 Mona Vale Ave, Riccarton Architect: Unknown, c. 1905-1914; Restoration: Team Architects, 2024. Photo from Christchurch City Council.

Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/discover-otautahi-through-architecture/