185 Empty White Chairs
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185 Empty White Chairs

4.7
·833 reviews·Christchurch, New Zealand

A poignant memorial featuring 185 empty white chairs, honoring lives lost in the 2011 earthquake with a tranquil waterside setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Experience quiet reflection

CrowdLow
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185 Empty White Chairs

185 Empty White Chairs

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Experience quiet reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A poignant memorial featuring 185 empty white chairs, honoring lives lost in the 2011 earthquake with a tranquil waterside setting.

4.7
(833 reviews)

"A somber visit to pay respects for those that lost their lives in 2011. The memorial is absolutely stunning and beautifully laid out."

Vertical photo
TIP

Allow Ample Time

Plan for at least 45 minutes to an hour to fully absorb the memorial's impact. :stopwatch:

Embrace the Tranquility

The waterside location offers a serene atmosphere for quiet reflection. :lake:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Name Wall

The Name Wall

A poignant focal point honoring every life lost, offering a space for deep reflection and remembrance.

The Empty White Chairs

The Empty White Chairs

Symbolizing the lives tragically cut short, these chairs create a powerful and moving visual statement.

Tranquil Waterside Setting

Tranquil Waterside Setting

Adjacent to a peaceful body of water, this area provides a serene spot for quiet contemplation.

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Planning Your Visit

Reflect and Remember

This memorial is a place for quiet contemplation. Visitors often describe it as a somber yet beautiful experience, perfect for paying respects to those lost in the 2011 earthquake. Allow ample time for reflection.

Timing Your Visit

While not explicitly stated as crowded, arriving an hour before closing saw about 10 guests buying tickets. Consider visiting earlier in the day to ensure a more personal and unhurried experience, especially if you plan to engage with any interactive elements.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Experience quiet reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Avoid peak visitor times
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Kind forum, critique my itinerary.

Allow Ample Time

Plan for at least 45 minutes to an hour to fully absorb the memorial's impact. :stopwatch:

Embrace the Tranquility

The waterside location offers a serene atmosphere for quiet reflection. :lake:

reddit.com

Question to people not here pre-quake

Interactive Elements

Discover engaging areas, like a Lego table, that can spark interest for younger visitors. :child:

No content available

Tips

from all over the internet

Allow Ample Time

Plan for at least 45 minutes to an hour to fully absorb the memorial's impact. :stopwatch:

Embrace the Tranquility

The waterside location offers a serene atmosphere for quiet reflection. :lake:

Interactive Elements

Discover engaging areas, like a Lego table, that can spark interest for younger visitors. :child:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(833 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the 185 Empty White Chairs memorial to be a stunning and beautifully laid out tribute, offering a somber yet tranquil space for reflection and remembrance of the 2011 earthquake victims. The urban design and waterside setting are particularly praised for creating a peaceful atmosphere. While primarily a place for solemn reflection, some interactive elements can engage younger visitors.

"This was a somber visit for me to pay respects for those that lost their lives in 2011. The memorial is absolutely stunning and beautifully laid out, focusing on the name wall for those that lost their lives."

Mike

"it was a strong memorial for those who passed during the 2011 quake. Just next to a meandering body of water made for an excellent stop to reflect and have a quiet moment to yourself. I thought it was very good urban design and planning to get it done the way it was. really loved the tranquillity."

tweylin

"I cannot begin to explain how the experience made me feel. A flood of emotions and memories of the Earthquake as I walked through. There are some really cool interactive areas for the kids to spark their interests and we could have easily spent the whole day there thanks to the lego table."

Candice Olwage-Waloejo

What People Like

Somber and beautiful tribute
Tranquil waterside setting
Thoughtful urban design

What People Dislike

Can be emotionally heavy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Information on public transport or driving directions to the memorial is not readily available in the provided content. It's recommended to check local transit maps or use a GPS service for the most accurate directions to the memorial site.

Details regarding parking availability are not specified. It's advisable to research local parking options near the memorial in advance of your visit.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Based on reviews, it appears tickets are required, as one visitor mentioned buying tickets an hour before closing. It's best to check the official website or contact the memorial directly for the most up-to-date ticketing information. :ticket:

While specific hours aren't listed, one review mentioned arriving an hour before closing. It's recommended to verify the operating hours before your visit to ensure you have enough time to experience the memorial.

The mention of buying tickets suggests there is an admission fee. Confirm the exact cost and any potential discounts when you check their official operating information.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The memorial serves as a somber tribute to honor those who lost their lives during the tragic 2011 earthquake, offering a space for remembrance and reflection. :pray:

Yes, there are interactive areas, including a Lego table, that can spark children's interests, making it a place that can resonate with younger visitors as well. :child:

Visitors describe the atmosphere as somber, stunning, beautiful, tranquil, and peaceful, making it an excellent stop for quiet reflection. :dove:

It's recommended to allocate a minimum of 45 minutes to an hour to fully experience and reflect at the memorial. :clock:

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted at memorials, but it's always respectful to be mindful of others who are there for quiet contemplation. Focus on capturing the essence of the memorial respectfully. :camera:

The arrangement of the 185 empty white chairs themselves, the name wall, and the tranquil waterside setting are all visually impactful areas for photography. :frame_photo:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Families with Kids

While the memorial is a place of remembrance, it does offer elements that can engage children. The interactive areas, like the Lego table, can provide a hands-on experience that sparks their interest and helps them connect with the site in a unique way. Reddit

It's important to approach the visit with sensitivity, explaining the memorial's purpose in an age-appropriate manner. The visual impact of the chairs and the tranquil waterside setting can also be appreciated by children, offering a peaceful environment for reflection.

Solo Travelers

For solo travelers, the 185 Empty White Chairs offers a profound opportunity for introspection. The tranquil atmosphere and the powerful symbolism of the chairs create an ideal setting for quiet contemplation and personal reflection on the events of 2011. Reddit

Take your time to walk through the memorial, absorb the atmosphere, and connect with the stories represented. The waterside location provides a serene backdrop for personal reflection, allowing for a deeply meaningful experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of the 185 Empty White Chairs

The 185 Empty White Chairs memorial is a powerful and deeply moving tribute. Each chair represents a life tragically lost during the devastating 2011 earthquake. The stark visual of these empty seats serves as a constant reminder of the profound impact of the event and the void left behind.

The memorial's design emphasizes reflection and remembrance. Visitors often describe an overwhelming sense of emotion as they walk through the space, connecting with the gravity of the loss. The placement of the chairs, often in thoughtful arrangements, encourages visitors to pause and contemplate the lives represented.

Beyond the chairs, the memorial often incorporates other elements, such as a name wall listing each victim, and a serene waterside setting. These additions enhance the contemplative atmosphere, providing further opportunities for visitors to pay their respects and find a moment of peace. Reddit+1

Experiencing the Memorial

Visiting the 185 Empty White Chairs is an experience that evokes a range of emotions. Many find it to be a somber yet beautiful occasion, a necessary stop for those wishing to understand the impact of the 2011 earthquake. The urban design of the memorial is often praised for its thoughtful execution, creating a space that is both impactful and tranquil. Reddit

While the primary focus is remembrance, the memorial also offers elements that can engage younger visitors. The presence of interactive areas, such as a Lego table, can spark curiosity and provide a different way for children to connect with the site's significance. This blend of solemnity and engagement makes it a place that can be meaningful for a wide range of visitors. Reddit

It's recommended to allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for your visit. This timeframe ensures you have sufficient opportunity to absorb the atmosphere, reflect on the meaning of the chairs, and explore any interactive elements without feeling rushed. Reddit

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