Bringing the past to life
From 16–22 February 2026, Cathedral Square Unearthed invites visitors to step into the layered past of Ōtautahi Christchurch, using artefacts and cutting-edge digital technologies to bring buried stories vividly to life.
Simon Yorke scanning an artefact for the exhibition;
Timed to mark the 15th anniversary of the 22 February 2011 earthquake, this free exhibition reconnects the city with the people, places, and moments that shaped its beginnings.
Strouts’ 1877 map of central Christchurch
Set inside Christ Church Cathedral, the exhibition showcases artefacts uncovered during post-earthquake archaeological excavations. Together, they paint an intimate picture of 19th-century Christchurch.
What makes Cathedral Square Unearthed even more unique is its immersive, technology-led approach. Developed by Christchurch-based innovation studio Yorke Labs, augmented reality allows visitors to interact with the past in entirely new ways. Six selected artefacts have been digitally scanned and recreated as detailed 3D replicas. Using a web-based AR application accessed via QR codes, visitors can see objects and interact with them, exploring their finer details.
Augmented reality is complemented by large-scale projections that transform the Cathedral interior. Strouts’ 1877 map of Christchurch is animated and projected onto a plinth, revealing the locations of archaeological sites and artefacts across the city. An AI-enhanced historic image of Worcester Street is projected onto the Cathedral’s east wall, layering past streetscapes over the present architecture.
Streamliner’s technical experts at work behind the scenes
The animations are brought to life by event specialists Streamliner Productions, who have provided and installed the projectors and audio equipment. South Island Manager Rowan Heeringa says, “Partnering with talented Christchurch experts like Yorke Labs allows us to create an international-quality experience, and we’re delighted to do this for the people of Christchurch.”
You can bring a Cathedral Square Unearthed artefact to life by clicking here and following the prompts.
Tickets are available now from christchurcharchaeology.org/cathedral-square-unearthed