Everyone Has A Cathedral Square Story – Christchurch Residents Invited To Share Their Memories

Ōtautahi Christchurch residents are being invited to share their personal stories of Cathedral Square as part of a new community conversation launched by the Christchurch Archaeology Project.

“Everyone has a Cathedral Square story. What’s yours?” is the question at the heart of the initiative, which aims to gather memories, reflections, and connections to one of the city’s most significant places.

“We want to start a conversation about Cathedral Square, and the links that so many of us have with the centre of our city,” says Katharine Watson of the Christchurch Archaeology Project Charitable Trust. “This is the perfect time of year to share memories with family and friends – it might even help people out as a conversation starter over Christmas dinner!”

The stories collected will help inform Cathedral Square Unearthed, a major exhibition of archaeology to be held in Christ Church Cathedral in February 2026. While the exhibition will bring Cathedral Square’s early history to life, organisers are keen to draw meaningful connections between the lives of the square’s early residents and merchants and the experiences of those who live in the city today.

Dean of Christchurch Very Rev Ben Truman says “As I look back at photos of the Square in the Cathedral archives, I’m always struck by the variety of activities, celebrations and commemorations hosted here. It has always been Christchurch’s collective tūrangawaewae.”

Cathedral Square Unearthed is a new exhibition created by the Christchurch Archaeology Project and supported by the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project that explores the layered histories of Cathedral Square. The free exhibition will be held in Christ Church Cathedral from 16 to 22 February 2026, marking the 15th anniversary of the 22 February earthquake. Tickets are available online now.

To find out how to share your Cathedral Square story with Cathedral Square Unearthed, visit: https://www.christchurcharchaeology.org/everyone-has-a-story

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