Step back in time and uncover the stories buried beneath the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Tickets are in high demand and may be showing as sold out. If so, there is a waitlist function, where you will be advised if anyone cancels tickets you request. And, from 24 February to 22 March, we will be remounting Cathedral Square Unearthed in The Crossing - in the walkway over Colombo Street - where no ticket reservations will be required.

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’s delivered with the support of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project and generous contributions from the local community.

Entry is free, but spaces are limited to four sessions per day.

Stabilisation of the Cathedral has been completed which allows us to safely visit. There are, however, strict health and safety protocols, noting that access is limited to children aged 10 years and older. Additionally, access is not possible for individuals 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.

Bookings are essential and demand is high — reserve your tickets today.

Image: Cathedral Square, Christchurch, circa 1905, New Zealand, by Muir & Moodie. Te Papa (C.011463)(edited)

Supporters and Sponsors (as at 23 January 2025): Aotearoa Gaming Trust, Avenues, Blueprint, Bridget Williams Books, Cathedral Square Unearthed volunteers, CCC, Christchurch Attractions, Cleanline Tasman, Cranleigh Harper Barton Cultural Trust proudly managed by Perpetual Guardian, Elizabeth Ball Charitable Trust, Elizabeth Costley, Hall Fabrication, Heather Joy Photographs, Hirepool, Jenny May ONZM, Kim Chan Florist & Event Stylist, Leighs Construction, Kiwi Gaming Foundation, National Candles, New Zealand Community Trust, Nick Allen, Pub Charity, Signtech, South Living, Streamliner Productions, Surreal Health & Beauty, TDX, The Crossing, Tiki Wine, Tina Duncan, Underground Overground Archaeology, Vision Systems, Walker & Hall, Yorke Labs.

Contact the host of Cathedral Square Unearthed Exhibition