Quake City

Table of Contents

Introduction

Quake City is a compelling exhibition located in Christchurch, New Zealand. Situated at 299 Durham Street North in Christchurch Central City, this museum experience immerses visitors in the story of the Canterbury earthquakes. It offers a meaningful and enlightening journey through the seismic events that profoundly impacted Christchurch and the surrounding region. With a positive tone throughout, this article encourages potential visitors to explore what Quake City has to offer.

About the Museum

Quake City is a special exhibition developed and operated by Canterbury Museum, first opening in Cashel Mall in February 2013 and relocating to its current purpose‑built space on Durham Street North in September 2017. The exhibition was created in response to strong community interest in a permanent space dedicated to the Canterbury earthquakes story, following an earlier temporary display in 2012.

Inside Quake City, visitors encounter a wide range of interactive displays, films, and rescued artifacts that collectively tell the human and geological story of the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. The exhibition includes heritage objects such as the fallen spire of ChristChurch Cathedral, the railway station clocks frozen at the moment of the major aftershock, buckled steel rods from the Hotel Grand Chancellor, a farm‑donated water container and a portaloo door that reflect everyday life in post‑quake Christchurch.

Visitors can engage with hands‑on science exhibits: design earthquake‑resilient structures with LEGO, jump by a seismograph to record shaking, and operate a liquefaction simulator to learn how ground movement turned soil into flowing sludge during the quakes. Multimedia presentations include the film 12.51 featuring survivor interviews, and Ripping the Streets which follows skateboarders weaving through damaged streets as a form of defiance and spirit. A recreation of Gap Filler’s bicycle‑powered cinema and displays of thousands of hand‑stitched hearts created in support of Canterbury residents offer emotional and creative responses to the disaster.

The museum also offers education programmes and guided tours led by Museum Educators. These sessions are designed to raise awareness about earthquake science and preparedness, and are suitable for school groups and community organisations. The exhibition is accessible to all ages and abilities, making it a family‑friendly experience in central Christchurch.

Interesting Facts

The exhibition first opened in February 2013 and moved to the current Durham Street location in September 2017.
The display includes the collapsed spire of ChristChurch Cathedral and railway station clocks stopped at exactly 1:51 p.m. on 22 February 2011.
Visitors can make a quake shake a seismograph by jumping nearby or experience liquefaction simulation to see how buildings and streets were affected by shifting ground.
A portaloo door and a water container donated by a farmer illustrate the basic necessities Cantabrians relied on immediately after the quakes.
The film 12.51 presents personal interviews with survivors, while Ripping the Streets reflects local community response through skateboarding in quake‑damaged areas.
A bicycle‑powered cinema created by Gap Filler, and community‑stitched hearts and artwork such as the Sure to Rise tea towel, express creativity and hope after catastrophe.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +643 365 8375

Website: quakecity.co.nz/

Facebook: facebook.com/quakecitynz

Conclusion

A visit to Quake City offers an engaging and heartfelt way to understand the Canterbury earthquakes and the resilience of Christchurch’s people. Through powerful artifacts, interactive science exhibits, and personal stories, the exhibition fosters both empathy and education. Whether you come from overseas or live in Christchurch, Quake City provides thoughtful reflection on past hardship as well as inspiration in recovery and community strength. It is an accessible, family‑friendly destination in the Central City that stands as both tribute and learning centre.

For anyone interested in natural history, human stories, or seismic science, Quake City is a must‑see exhibition that leaves visitors with a deeper appreciation for Christchurch’s journey and enduring spirit.