Quake City is Christchurch's dedicated earthquake exhibition, developed and operated by Canterbury Museum. Located at 299 Durham Street North on the corner of Armagh Street in the central city, it explores how the seismic events of 2010 and 2011 affected Canterbury, and how locals adapted to the tough times that followed.
The exhibition brings together taonga (treasures) rescued from the rubble alongside displays and interactives that explain the science behind the earthquakes. Quake City is packed with interesting things to see and do for all ages, from hands-on exhibits — including a liquefaction interactive sponsored by Tonkin + Taylor — to fun family activities.
First opened in Cashel Mall in February 2013 and moved to its current home in September 2017, Quake City was devised in response to strong interest from business and community groups in having an earthquake experience in Christchurch. It reflects Canterbury Museum's role in the community as a kaitiaki (guardian) of the region's history and taonga, and is supported by Major Sponsor Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake.
Beyond the exhibition floor, Quake City offers an education programme, group visits, a shop selling earthquake books and souvenirs, and hire of the venue for private functions outside opening hours. The doors are open every day from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, except Christmas Day, with admission charges applying and free entry for accompanied children under 15.
On the corner of Durham and Armagh Streets in central Christchurch sits Quake City, the city's dedicated earthquake exhibition. Developed and operated by Canterbury Museum, it is the place to learn how the seismic events of 2010 and 2011 affected Canterbury, and how locals adapted to the tough times that followed. Through taonga (treasures) rescued from the rubble, personal displays and hands-on science, the exhibition tells a story that reshaped the region — and the people who lived through it.
Quake City opened in February 2013 in Cashel Mall, right in the heart of the battered central city, and moved to its current home at 299 Durham Street North in September 2017. The exhibition was devised in response to high interest from leading business and community groups who wanted an earthquake experience in Christchurch, following Canterbury Quakes, a temporary exhibition held at the Museum in 2012.
For Canterbury Museum, Quake City is a significant expression of its role in the community as a kaitiaki (guardian) of Canterbury's history and taonga, and of the stories that shape the social and natural history of the region. The exhibition is supported by Major Sponsor Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake, while Tonkin + Taylor sponsors the liquefaction interactive, alongside a number of businesses that assisted with the construction of the exhibition. Many of the objects on show have been donated or loaned by businesses, community groups and individuals.
Quake City is packed with interesting displays and interactives for all ages. Visitors can discover the science behind the earthquakes, get hands-on with the liquefaction interactive, and see taonga rescued from the rubble of quake-damaged buildings. Together, the exhibits explain both what happened beneath Canterbury and what it meant for the people above it.
It is not a solemn march through damage photographs, either. Family activities run throughout the space, making it a genuinely engaging outing for children as well as adults. The exhibition also extends beyond its walls with a Be Prepared section, encouraging visitors to take earthquake readiness home with them, and an education programme for schools and learning groups.
Quake City caters for more than walk-in visitors. Group visits can be arranged for those touring with friends, colleagues or clubs, and the venue itself can be hired for private functions outside opening hours — hire charges are inclusive of staffing and cleaning costs, with food and beverages the responsibility of the hirer. Filming and photography arrangements can also be made through the team.
Before you leave, the Quake City shop offers a range of earthquake books and souvenirs, a thoughtful way to take a piece of the city's story home.
Quake City is located at 299 Durham Street North, on the corner of Armagh Street, in Christchurch's CBD. It is open every day from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, closing only on Christmas Day. Admission charges apply, but children under 15 visit free when accompanied by an adult, and discounts are available for students and seniors.
Whether you are a local who lived through the quakes, a newcomer curious about what shaped modern Christchurch, or a visitor wanting to understand the city's remarkable recent history, Quake City offers an honest, science-backed and deeply human look at the events that changed Canterbury forever.