185 Empty Chairs
185 white chairs of different shapes commemorate the 185 people who died in the earthquake of February 22, 2011. The installation is quiet and moving.
This temporary memorial was created in 2012 by local artist Peter Majorybanks. Each chair is different, such as armchairs, office chairs, baby seats, and wheelchairs, representing each victim's individual life. It was originally planned as a short-term exhibit, but it was kept because residents and visitors loved it, and it has been moved several times near its original site. Admission is free. Please remain quiet and do not sit on the chairs. It is just a few steps from the Cardboard Cathedral, so the two can be visited together.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Transitional (Cardboard) Cathedral
- Margaret Mahy Family Playground
- New Regent Street & Christchurch Tram
- ChristChurch Cathedral & Cathedral Square
- Riverside Market
- Bridge of Remembrance
- Quake City
- Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū