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185 chairs

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185 chairs

The 185 Empty Seats

This memorial consists of 185 white-painted chairs, each representing a person who lost their life during the February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch. Visitors come here to reflect on the disaster and the city's subsequent recovery. The installation serves as a permanent physical record of the loss experienced by the community.

Getting There

The memorial is located within the central city area. From the heart of the city centre, it is accessible via a short walk of approximately 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your starting point.

Duration of Visit

Most visitors spend between 15 and 30 minutes at the site. The layout allows for a slow walk through the rows of chairs to observe the scale of the memorial.

When to Visit

The site is outdoors and accessible throughout the year. Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon provides softer lighting for those wishing to observe the site in quiet. It does not typically experience heavy crowding, though it may be busier during anniversary commemorations in February.

Nearby Points of Interest

Because of its central location, this site can be combined with other nearby landmarks:

  • Cardboard Cathedral (0.1km)
  • St John the Baptist Church (0.1km)
  • Latimer Square (0.3km)
  • Cathedral Square (0.5km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near 185 chairs

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185 chairs Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Cardboard Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Cardboard Cathedral

This Anglican cathedral was built as a temporary replacement for the one destroyed in the 2011 earthquake. Constructed from unusual materials, including cardboard tubes, it stands near Latimer Square.

0.1 km away
St John the Baptist Church, Christchurch

Temples & religious sites

St John the Baptist Church, Christchurch

This Anglican church once stood at Latimer Square in Christchurch but no longer exists. It's a name worth knowing when exploring the city's history.

0.1 km away
Latimer Square

Parks & gardens

Latimer Square

Latimer Square is a downtown park near Christchurch's Cathedral Square, with lawns, walking paths, and old trees. It also hosts various memorial events.

0.3 km away
Cathedral Square

Parks & gardens

Cathedral Square

A square at the heart of Christchurch, home to the city's landmark Christchurch Cathedral. It suffered severe damage in the 2011 earthquake but remains the beating heart of the city.

0.5 km away
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

Temples & religious sites

Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

This Catholic cathedral stood on Barbadoes Street in central Christchurch and served as the seat of the Christchurch diocese. It was known for its grand architecture, reminiscent of Europe's great cathedrals.

0.6 km away
Christchurch Catholic Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Christchurch Catholic Cathedral

A Catholic cathedral being rebuilt to replace the original, which was destroyed in the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes. As the future seat of the Christchurch diocese, it offers a window into the city's ongoing rebuild.

0.6 km away