- Monday 16 Feb 2026, 9.30am to 10.30am
- Monday 16 Feb 2026, 11am to Midday
- Monday 16 Feb 2026, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
- Monday 16 Feb 2026, 3pm to 4pm
- Tuesday 17 Feb 2026, 9.30am to 10.30am
- Tuesday 17 Feb 2026, 11am to Midday
- Tuesday 17 Feb 2026, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
- Tuesday 17 Feb 2026, 3pm to 4pm
- Wednesday 18 Feb 2026, 9.30am to 10.30am
- Wednesday 18 Feb 2026, 11am to Midday
- Wednesday 18 Feb 2026, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
- Wednesday 18 Feb 2026, 3pm to 4pm
- Wednesday 18 Feb 2026, 4.30pm to 5.30pm
- Thursday 19 Feb 2026, 9.30am to 10.30am
- Thursday 19 Feb 2026, 11am to Midday
- Thursday 19 Feb 2026, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
- Friday 20 Feb 2026, 9.30am to 10.30am
- Friday 20 Feb 2026, 11am to Midday
- Friday 20 Feb 2026, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
- Friday 20 Feb 2026, 3pm to 4pm
- Saturday 21 Feb 2026, 9.30am to 10.30am
- Saturday 21 Feb 2026, 11am to Midday
- Saturday 21 Feb 2026, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
- Saturday 21 Feb 2026, 3pm to 4pm
- Sunday 22 Feb 2026, 9.30am to 10.30am
- Sunday 22 Feb 2026, 11am to Midday
- Sunday 22 Feb 2026, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
- Sunday 22 Feb 2026, 3pm to 4pm
16 February 2026
Cathedral Square Unearthed Exhibition
An exhibition of artefacts uncovered during post-earthquake archaeological excavations, held in Christ Church Cathedral.
Step back in time and uncover the stories buried beneath the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Cathedral Square Unearthed is a new exhibition that brings to life the city’s early history through objects uncovered during post-earthquake archaeological excavations. Timed to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the 22 February 2011 earthquake, this free event invites the community to reconnect with the people, places, and moments that shaped our city.
Held inside Christ Church Cathedral, artefacts reveal everyday life in 19th-century Christchurch — from merchants’ wares and household treasures to hints of local beliefs, pastimes, and even a few secrets. Alongside these, a small but significant collection of Māori taonga illuminate stories of this place before European settlement.
The experience goes beyond traditional display cases. Enhanced with video projection, audio, and augmented reality, the exhibition offers a journey through the city’s layers of history. You’ll meet the personalities of the past and gain a deeper appreciation of how their lives connect to the Christchurch of today.
Visiting Christ Church Cathedral is a rare opportunity in itself. The Cathedral opens to pre-booked visitors especially for this exhibition — a space alive with memories, stories, heritage, and taonga.
Presented by the Christchurch Archaeology Project — guardians of nearly half a million artefacts — the exhibition reflects their mission to preserve, share, and celebrate our archaeological heritage. It is delivered with the support of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project and with generous contributions from the local community.
Stabilisation of the Cathedral has been completed which allows us to safely visit. There are, however, strict health and safety protocols, limiting access for those under 10 years old, and for those with significant mobility issues. Please check accessibility information carefully before reserving your ticket.
We welcome donations - made at the time of registration - towards the Cathedral Reinstatement Project.
Tickets are free and booking is essential as there are just four sessions per day. Reserve your tickets now!
Image: Cathedral Square, Christchurch. circa 1905, New Zealand, by Muir & Moodie. Te Papa (C.011463)(edited)
Step back in time and uncover the stories buried beneath the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Cathedral Square Unearthed is a new exhibition that brings to life the city’s early history through objects uncovered during post-earthquake archaeological excavations. Timed to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the 22 February 2011 earthquake, this free event invites the community to reconnect with the people, places, and moments that shaped our city.
Held inside Christ Church Cathedral, artefacts reveal everyday life in 19th-century Christchurch — from merchants’ wares and household treasures to hints of local beliefs, pastimes, and even a few secrets. Alongside these, a small but significant collection of Māori taonga illuminate stories of this place before European settlement.
The experience goes beyond traditional display cases. Enhanced with video projection, audio, and augmented reality, the exhibition offers a journey through the city’s layers of history. You’ll meet the personalities of the past and gain a deeper appreciation of how their lives connect to the Christchurch of today.
Visiting Christ Church Cathedral is a rare opportunity in itself. The Cathedral opens to pre-booked visitors especially for this exhibition — a space alive with memories, stories, heritage, and taonga.
Presented by the Christchurch Archaeology Project — guardians of nearly half a million artefacts — the exhibition reflects their mission to preserve, share, and celebrate our archaeological heritage. It is delivered with the support of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project and with generous contributions from the local community.
Stabilisation of the Cathedral has been completed which allows us to safely visit. There are, however, strict health and safety protocols, limiting access for those under 10 years old, and for those with significant mobility issues. Please check accessibility information carefully before reserving your ticket.
We welcome donations - made at the time of registration - towards the Cathedral Reinstatement Project.
Tickets are free and booking is essential as there are just four sessions per day. Reserve your tickets now!
Image: Cathedral Square, Christchurch. circa 1905, New Zealand, by Muir & Moodie. Te Papa (C.011463)(edited)
Location
Christ Church Cathedral, 100 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central, Christchurch
Christ Church Cathedral, 100 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central, Christchurch
Event contact
Christchurch Archaeology Project admin@christchurcharchaeology.org www.christchurcharchaeology.org/cathedral-square-unearthed www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090556609428 www.instagram.com/christchurcharchaeologyproject/Other events you may be interested in
Stay connected with the app
Download the What's On app and discover what's on in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
