Hotels near Christchurch Central city

The Muse Art Hotel is a Qualmark-rated 4-star boutique hotel at 159 Manchester Street in central Christchurch. Set within a distinctive modernist building shaped by renowned New Zealand architect Peter Beaven, the hotel brings together architectural character, contemporary local art and modern comfort.

Originally commissioned as offices for the Canterbury Terminating Building Society, the building was already under construction when Beaven took over the responsibility for it in 1961. Through imaginative detailing and a dramatic rooftop penthouse, he transformed a routine commercial project into an early expression of the architectural approach that defined his career.

Today, The Muse Art Hotel offers a creative central-city stay for business
travellers, couples, weekend visitors, art and architecture enthusiasts, and guests attending events in Christchurch. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, work-friendly rooms and a central location make it convenient for business trips, while its locally inspired art, rooftop bar and proximity to the city’s dining, cultural and entertainment precincts appeal to leisure travellers.

Stay in the heart of Christchurch and experience more than the city; become part of its evolving story.

Ground Floor
Where the Story Begins

The ground floor of The Muse Art Hotel brings together history, hospitality and experience.

Dainty Café

At its heart is Dainty Café, a popular Christchurch café inspired by family, passion and a deep connection to café culture. Its name honours founder Nick’s grandfather, James Curnow, who ran the Dainty Inn on High Street from the early 1960s to the 1990s. Today, Dainty carries that spirit forward, offering a warm and welcoming space for both guests and locals.

K6-Inspired Check-In Spaces

You will also notice our telephone booth-inspired spaces, influenced by the iconic K6 design from 1935.

These reflect a part of Christchurch’s history, when red telephone boxes were
once seen across the central city, with heritage examples still found around
Christchurch today.

At The Muse, these booths have been reimagined as private check-in spaces,
blending historical inspiration with modern technology and symbolising the
connection between the city’s past and present.

The Story on the Wall

The reception mural turns the ground floor into a visual timeline of the building.

It follows its story from its 1960s modernist beginnings and Peter Beaven’s
architectural vision through its conversion into The Muse Art Hotel.

The Creative Voices Of The Muse Art Hotel

Levels 2–6

Celebrating the Artists Who Continue Christchurch’s Story.

Architecture gave this building its identity. Today, local artists give it its voice.
Every floor celebrates the work of a different Christchurch artist, transforming corridors into galleries and every stay into a journey through the city’s creative spirit. From the moment the lift doors open, each level reveals its own creative identity.

Level 2 — Lara Marshall

A celebration of form and colour, Lara’s work blends earthy tones with bold
contrasts, exploring the female form and mid-century geometric design.

Level 3 — Jacob Root

Inspired by 1950s and 1960s cinema and advertising, Jacob’s work brings a
vibrant, nostalgic Hollywood feel through bold colours and stencil-style
compositions.

Level 4 — Kyla K

Kyla’s artwork captures the glamour and sensuality of the mid-century era,
drawing inspiration from icons such as James Bond and Marilyn Monroe, blended with classic design elements of the time.

Level 5 — Clint Parks

A dynamic expression of the 1960s and 1970s, Clint’s mural reflects movement, music and social change, capturing the energy of an evolving world through vibrant colour and storytelling.

Level 6 — Josh O’Rourke

Inspired by post-war lifestyle and leisure, Josh’s work explores human form and movement, reflecting the relaxed yet expressive spirit of the era that shaped the building itself. No two floors are the same. Each reflects the individual style, influences and artistic voice of its resident artist, creating a collection that is uniquely Christchurch and uniquely The Muse.