20,000 visitors experience Quake City attraction

26 April 2013

20,000 visitors experience Quake City attraction

Quake City welcomed its 20,000th visitor today. Beau McLean, pictured, was warmly greeted by the visitor hosts and given a special gift to commemorate the occasion.

Coordinated by Canterbury Museum, Quake City opened in Re:START on 15 February this year and since then has become a key attraction for locals and visitors to Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region.

Museum Director Anthony Wright says the Quake City attraction is the result of sheer dedication and support.

“The Museum team, sponsors and local businesses have worked incredibly hard to open an earthquake experience that not only respects the tragedy of the time but also honours and preserves the achievements of those who helped during the aftermath of the earthquakes. Quake City ensures Christchurch’s fallen iconic objects and precious taonga are protected for generations to come, it educates the community on the seismic events that we have endured since September 2010, and looks forward to the future aspirations for our city and wider Canterbury region.”

Generously sponsored by EQC, The Press, Fletcher Construction Ltd, Placemakers Riccarton, Opus International Consultants Ltd and Warren and Mahoney, Quake City is a living example of Canterbury’s strong community spirit.

“We are very grateful for our sponsors’ significant contribution to this project,” says Mr Wright. “In addition, more than 180 objects have been donated or loaned by various people and groups within the community, and that doesn’t include sound, film or photography. So the level of interest in Quake City has been incredible. It’s great to be asked to include interactive exhibitions such as the liquefaction volcano, the Lego display and the Gap Filler cycle-powered movie.”

Mr Wright says Quake City reflects the Museum’s position as the guardian of the region’s heritage - a role of significant importance both now and in the future.

“We believe that as people walk through the Quake City experience and take the time to reflect on their own earthquake memories, the attraction actually helps define the Museum’s role in our community. It showcases our commitment to Christchurch and Canterbury as we develop a plan for our Museum on its main site for the next 100 years.”

Quake City is located at 99 Cashel St in Re:START Mall. Admission charges apply. For more information see www.quakecity.co.nz

ENDS

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