Venue

Venue Profile

In the heart of the city, poised on the banks of the picturesque Avon River, the Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts is one of New Zealand’s premier performance venues. It is a place that showcases creative diversity and has been the stage for many of the world’s leading performing artists and cultural groups.

One side of the spacious foyer leads to the 2,500 seat Douglas Lilburn Auditorium while the other side leads to the James Hay Theatre with 1,000 seats.

The Douglas Lilburn Auditorium is named for New Zealand’s most celebrated composer who spent many years living and writing in the city. The auditorium boasts acoustics that are considered to be amongst the best in the world. It features a Rieger Pipe Organ, which is both visually and aurally striking. The organ provides a dramatic backdrop for live performances and themed events alike.