Discover Ravenscar House Museum
Located in Central Christchurch, Ravenscar House Museum is an art museum operated by the Canterbury Museum. It opened its doors in November 2021 and showcases the impressive art collection of Christchurch philanthropists Jim and Susan Wakefield. This museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts interested in diverse collections and modern architecture.
The Wakefields' Art Collection and Legacy
Jim and Susan Wakefield began their art collection journey in the late 1980s. By the mid-1990s, they had constructed Ravenscar House on Whitewash Head in Scarborough, between Sumner and Taylors Mistake, on the northwest side of Banks Peninsula. Named after a village near Susan's birthplace in Yorkshire, England, the house was intended to be gifted to Christchurch City along with its art collection. However, the 2011 earthquake destroyed the house, and the Wakefields decided to use the insurance payout to fund a new gallery in Central Christchurch.
Architectural Design and Gardens
In 2015, Christchurch City gifted land on Rolleston Avenue to the Ravenscar Trust for the museum's construction. Designed by Patterson Associates, the modernist building features reflecting pools, vaulted ceilings, concrete panels, and large glass windows. Its high roofs complement the Gothic architecture of the nearby Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora and Canterbury Museum. Landscape architect Suzanne Turley designed the gardens surrounding the museum, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Art and Exhibits
The museum's gallery is divided into several rooms, each reflecting a major room from the original Ravenscar House. The collection is eclectic, featuring paintings, sculptures, and antiquities. Notable New Zealand artists such as Ralph Hotere, Colin McCahon, Frances Hodgkins, Charles Goldie, Garry Nash, and Paul Dibble are represented. Additionally, designer furniture from the original house is on display, adding to the museum's charm.
There is an entry fee to explore the museum, which includes access to the main internal garden.
How to Get There
To visit Ravenscar House Museum, head to Rolleston Avenue in Central Christchurch. The museum is easily accessible by public transport, car, or on foot from the city centre.
Other nearby cultural attractions include the Christchurch Art Gallery and the Botanic Gardens.
