Canterbury Museum is a must-see culture, nature and history museum. The collection of over 2.3 million items reaches back to the arrival of the Maori in the mid-13th century and includes artifacts from the first European settlers. It also features fascinating displays of ancient birds, mammals and fossils. The museum was designed by Benjamin Mountfort. This architect is credited with introducing the Gothic Revival style to Christchurch. Mountfort also created many of the city’s heritage buildings. The white marble statue by Herbert Hampton is a likeness of William Rolleston. During the late 19th century – while Canterbury Province Superintendent, Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament – Rolleston helped establish Canterbury Museum and the former Canterbury College across Rolleston Avenue.
