The Arts Centre of Christchurch (Te Pokapû Toi o Ôtautahi) is the South Island's cultural hub, encompassing the University and Court Theatres, Southern Ballet Theatre, Academy Cinema, Te Toi Mana Maori Art Gallery, plus shops, restaurants and a popular weekend market.
In 1974, the University of Christchurch moved from its central city location and made way for The Arts Centre of Christchurch to develop the campus' Gothic revival buildings. The site also retains the Great Hall, Rutherford's Den (after founder of the atom, Ernest Rutherford, who studied there), the Clock Tower and Townsend Observatory.