Urban artists have taken over Canterbury Museum! With the Museum’s redevelopment not far away, most of the complex is empty and we’ve handed it over to urban artists from Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas to use as their canvas.

They’ve created a pathway of art across five floors and over 35 spaces, including storerooms, offices and other parts of the Museum that are normally off-limits. Their artworks, which range from traditional graffiti to murals, paste-ups, projections and more, are inspired by the Museum and the taonga (treasures) it cares for.

Don’t miss this opportunity to farewell your Museum and explore a once-in-a-lifetime art experience!

Tickets are also available on the door, but priority will be given to those who have pre-purchased tickets online if capacity is reached. The journey through SHIFT takes between an hour and a half and two hours.

A pre-purchased ticket allows you to enter the Museum at any time within the designated time slot (you don't have to finish the journey within the time).

Last entry to Museum each day is 4.30 pm. Museum closes 5.30 pm daily.

SHIFT: Urban Art Takeover is a paid-for experience with all proceeds going towards the Museum’s redevelopment. Help us SHIFT.

Mobility Assistance

SHIFT goes through the a number of areas which haven't previously been accessible to the public and covers five floors of the Museum using the stairs.

A route which covers almost all of the exhibition is available If you require mobility assistance. Please go to the Mobility Assistance Point at the ticketing desk when you arrive at the Museum, for details.

The Museum lift will only be available to people who require mobility assistance.

Late Nights

SHIFT: Urban Art Takeover will be open until 8.00 pm on 29 March, 3 April and 11 April.

Refunds

If you are feeling unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms – temperature, dry cough, difficulty breathing – please do not visit. Ticket refunds are available; you can always rebook.

Gift Tickets

Give the gift of SHIFT to your friends and whānau (family). Gift tickets are available here. You’ll be emailed the tickets which you can then forward to the intended recipient, or print out to gift in person.

Limited Edition Print

Home Land See is a stunning print by Aotearoa New Zealand urban art masters Charles and Janine Williams, based on their full-sized mural in SHIFT. Just 75 limited edition prints have been produced by Fiksate x SHIFT Gallery to raise funds for the Museum redevelopment. Select it as your ticket type, get two free adult tickets to SHIFT, and pick up your print when you visit.