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University of Canterbury Heritage Collection

Te rohe - Location
University of Canterbury Ilam Road Christchurch 8140

The University of Canterbury is the guardian of a wide range of heritage artefacts which relate to the history of the university, its staff and students, and the communities we support. The collection, which is dispersed throughout many departments and service units at UC, includes artefacts that have links to the original Canterbury College site, now Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.

A survey, conducted between 2020-2022 and supported by two Lotteries Environment and Heritage grants, gathered information on extant heritage artefacts that might help to build the narrative of the University’s early history. The artefacts and stories collected were used in the exhibition 'Whiria te tangata' as part of the University’s 150th celebrations in 2023.

The resulting collection includes teaching tools, furniture, scientific instruments, regalia, or general memorabilia that have come from the Canterbury College and Ilam sites or were used by College / University staff and students between 1873 and 1999. Objects and stories uncovered by the survey demonstrate the rich history of research and teaching at UC.

Ngā momo kohinga -
Collection Strengths

Art

Archives and manuscripts

Books and journals

Decorative arts and design

Photography

Social history

Whakapā mai -
Contact

Kei te mahere -
On the map

Tūhuratia te kohinga -
Explore collection