Locals and visitors alike have the pleasure of viewing some of the best art in New Zealand and the world inside Christchurch Art Gallery’s beautiful glass building which stands proud in the city centre.

Head down the Worcester Boulevard side of the Gallery to marvel at Martin Creed’s light-work Everything is Going to be Alright (best experienced at night), and linger a while on the forecourt, where you’ll come face-to-face with Michael Parekowhai’s much-loved Chapman’s Homer (a giant bull atop a grand piano). Ascend the Gallery’s grandiose staircase and overhead you’ll be illuminated by Bill Culbert’s Bebop, an enthralling work made up of glowing fluorescent tubes, chairs, wires and sheet glass.

Nothing stays the same for long in Christchurch Art Gallery. You’ll be transported through time and space as you move from room to room experiencing a selection of historical and contemporary works spread throughout two expansive floors. Even the carpark is something worth experiencing — self-proclaimed as the most “colourful underground carpark in the city”. And with parking just $1 per half hour, visitors needn’t let the stress of finding a park stop them from visiting. Make sure to take the carpark’s elevator up into the gallery, as it features a specially commissioned, utopian watercolour piece by Séraphine Pick, turning your short and otherwise non-nondescript journey into an imagination-filled ride.

Christchurch Art Gallery not only has a treasure trove of art, but boasts a full and impressive events calendar, including artist talks, films and activities for kids. The Gallery is open late on Wednesdays (until 9pm), and also features an ever-changing and eclectic Design Store — the perfect one-stop shop for purchasing a stylish something or creative gift to take home with you.