The Art of Banksy is coming to Christchurch
Over 150 original Banksy artworks to go on display this summer at Te Pae Christchurch
South Island audiences will get an unmissable opportunity to experience the thought-provoking work of the notoriously mysterious artist, as The Art of Banksy brings more than 150 original pieces, prints and installations together for the final time in New Zealand.
The Art of Banksy has brought Banksy’s era-defining works to over 1.5 million visitors in 20 cities across the globe. The exhibition at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, which opens on 17 December 2025 and runs until 27 January 2026 (excluding public holidays), is the first time this unique collection has been displayed for South Island audiences.
The exhibition, which features prints, canvases, unique works, and fascinating ephemera, will offer an extraordinary insight into the artist’s creative processes. Seminal artworks, which brought Banksy to international attention, will be on show. These include the Girl with Balloon, which will be displayed in four different colour variations – including a rare Gold Edition. Visitors will also get to see the first Flower Thrower and hear about the origins of the iconic image in an accompanying video interview with Banksy’s former girlfriend, Leonie Laws.
Highlighting Banksy’s ability to bring international attention to major political and social issues, the exhibition also focuses on Banksy’s Dismaland, a dystopian theme park created in Weston-super-Mare, England, and recent works referencing the war in Ukraine, as well as providing insight into the artist’s Walled Off Hotel – a nine-room installation created in Bethlehem, metres from the West Bank wall.
The Art of Banksy curator and producer Michel Boersma says the team is extremely excited to bring the exhibition to South Island audiences for the first time.
“Following a hugely successful 19 city global tour and 2 years in London, UK, we’re very excited to bring this larger-than-ever collection to Christchurch, bigger and better! For the last 9 years we have been working with collectors in expanding the collection which we are able to display, from 70 in Auckland in 2018 to over 150 authenticated and genuine works, no replicas – the real deal,” says Michel Boersma.
Te Pae Christchurch General Manager Ross Steele says this is a fantastic opportunity for people from throughout the South Island to experience this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition.
“This is the chance for art lovers to experience something incredibly unique this summer – whether you are a long-time Banksy fan or interested in the story behind some of the fascinating works – this is an unmissable opportunity to get up close to Banksy artworks,” says Ross Steele. “We’re thrilled to be able to host this exhibition for our region – it’s a great example of the versatility of our venue, and our focus on providing more opportunities for locals to experience world-class events.”
ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Ali Adams says a Banksy exhibition is an ideal fit for Ōtautahi Christchurch. “Ever since Lonely Planet called Christchurch a global street art capital eight years ago, our city has been a canvas. We have more than 45 large scale works in the central city, including the tallest mural in New Zealand, and more than 750 pieces of street art have been catalogued. This exhibition will launch a summer of events, play and creativity for Ōtautahi residents and visitors to the capital of cool.”
The Art of Banksy is curated by Michel Boersma, produced by GTP Exhibitions Ltd and presented by Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. The Art of Banksy is not curated or authorised by the artist and only displays authenticated art sold or gifted by the artist, no replicas or art removed from the street.
Tickets go on sale at Ticketek from 11 September, with special Earlybird tickets on sale until 31 October.
For further information about The Art of Banksy in Christchurch, visit: www.tepae.co.nz/the-art-of-banksy
