Open ChCh: Behind the Scenes Guided Tour of Tūranga

Get a glimpse of Tūranga that people don’t usually get to see.

Enjoy a free, guided, behind-the-scenes tour with librarians who work in Tūranga.

Everyone welcome, bookings required. This special, one-off access is part of Open Christchurch 2021. Visit Open Christchurch's website to book.

ARCHITECT: Architectus & Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects with Ngāi Tūāhuriri & Matapopore, 2018

The award-winning Tūranga is a landmark building in Christchurch’s rebuild, culturally and architecturally. Reaching out well beyond its footprint – to the surrounding city and landscape, building on Ngāi Tūāhuriri’s narrative through important navigational reference points – it expresses the principle of whakamanuhiri, of welcoming in guests.

The inclusive, light-filled space of the ground floor extends the civic space of the square and connects through to the performing arts precinct, while the generous central stairway invites the public inwards and upwards towards knowledge, an ascent that is accentuated by the ‘Harry Potter’ staircases. Roomy, connective and alive, the building flows from the dynamic lower floors to the slower, more reflective and compact upper floors.

Publicly accessible restrooms, wheelchair/walking aid/pram accessible, service animals allowed, assistive listening devices, child friendly.

Join Open Christchurch on 15 & 16 May. With 46 open buildings, two guided central city walks and dozens of special activities (from children’s workshops to performance as well as expert talks and tours), Open Christchurch 2021 is a celebration of our architecture. Discover new spaces or get up close to buildings you love, for free.