Rutherford's Den
Rutherford's Den, Christchurch: Hours, Address, Rutherford's Den Reviews: 4.5/5
Rutherford's Den
Rutherford's Den
4.5
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Rutherford's Den at The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora is a heritage space dedicated to the science of New Zealand's most famous scientist. Ernest, Lord Rutherford, the moustached man on the $100 note, began his education in the very rooms that Rutherford's Den is located. Visitors get to experience not only the historic features of the rooms, but new state-of-the-art displays and interactive exhibits as they learn about the science of Rutherford and his peers. Entry to Rutherford's Den is free to the public and open 10.30am-2.30pm every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Contribute
4.5
27 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
10
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
klew97
San Rafael, CA89 contributions
Aug 2019
This provides good details of Rutherford's life beyond just the highlights. This budget-priced museum is small enough to fully explore in around an hour, which is great if you're still in the city center after a day of sightseeing and/or waiting for mealtime. You don't need to be a science/history nut to follow along with the exhibits, but it could help you understand some of the artifacts on display and let you better appreciate his accomplishments.
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SRDFrench
Leeds, UK67 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
This was an informative and well set out exhibit. You don’t need to know the physics to get a lot out of it and use to stand at the front of Rutherford’s lecture theatre (with the benches covered in old student graffiti!) was humbling. And the museum attendant was simply wonderful - hugely friendly and welcoming. At only $10 it’s a bargain!
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steve
Melbourne, Australia21 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I loved visiting Rutherford’s Den. As a physics nerd, it has been one of the highlights of my trip, but you certainly wouldn’t need to be a physics fan to enjoy it. The best parts for me were the interactive parts. The staff were also very friendly and welcoming.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chris D
Palmerston, Australia522 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
If you have an interest in the development of the ideas behind today’s understanding of Physics and Chemistry this little museum will fascinate you.
Ernest Lord Rutherford was a giant of modern Physics whose work led to the nuclear model of the atom. He mentored 11 Nobel Prize winners.
Rutherford’s Den chronicles his life and work and explains his contribution to science in layman’s terms through a series of excellent interactive and static displays
There is even a fun gift shop full of quirky science gifts.
Ernest Lord Rutherford was a giant of modern Physics whose work led to the nuclear model of the atom. He mentored 11 Nobel Prize winners.
Rutherford’s Den chronicles his life and work and explains his contribution to science in layman’s terms through a series of excellent interactive and static displays
There is even a fun gift shop full of quirky science gifts.
Written 14 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cruiser66579334565
1 contribution
Mar 2019 • Couples
My husband and I chanced on this amazing museum by accident. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time there learning about the father of nuclear physics.
Written 3 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Maps66606967885
Canterbury Region, New Zealand1 contribution
Mar 2019 • Family
While on a Sunday outing with my daughter we came across Rutherford's Den. Both of us keen to explore and see what was on offer, we headed into Rutherford's Den to be educated on the History and to be taken back in time. It was wonderful, my daughter aged 11 engaged herself with the many activities while I enjoyed reading and learning of what was something from an era that would change the world, it was stunning. Thank you.
Written 9 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Paul C
17 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
What an honor to sit where he sat, and to see where he worked and studied! The touch screen technology is very engaging as well. The docent was very welcoming and helpful. A memorable experience, particularly if you've earlier read what a great innovator he was, as in the Richard Rhodes books.
Written 5 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Camper20900516012
Bakersfield, CA1 contribution
Mar 2019 • Solo
The setting is great for telling the story of Rutherford's life, especially his NZ upbringing and education. The displays are informative and educational for all ages from older children to older adults. The docent was friendly and helpful. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the history and philosophy of physical science.
Written 4 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David L
Florida100 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
We were walking to the Botanic Gardens and saw the entrance to Rutherford's Den. The visit was the high point of the day. We are both scientists with an extensive nuclear background and the works of Rutherford have been an important part of our education. The Den is charming and the historical context is well done. We have seen artifacts such as Faraday's text tubes, We have artifacts such as pieces of carbon from the first nuclear reactor. We stand in awe at the humble beginnings of the great man.
Written 29 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
HKinsey
Paraparaumu, New Zealand739 contributions
Aug 2018
I really enjoyed this, not just because I have a physics degree but also because of the information about the great man.
And the tee shirts are awesome!
And the tee shirts are awesome!
Written 28 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Frequently Asked Questions about Rutherford's Den
- Rutherford's Den is open:
- Thu - Mon 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Rutherford's Den:
- (0.08 km) The Classic Villa
- (0.23 km) Orari Bed & Breakfast
- (0.13 km) Hotel Give
- (0.36 km) The Grange Guesthouse & Motel
- (0.21 km) Orari Apartments
- Restaurants near Rutherford's Den:
- (0.03 km) Bunsen
- (0.18 km) Zen Sushi and Dumplings
- (0.11 km) Cook'n' With Gas
- (0.17 km) DUO Dining Room & Bar
- (0.19 km) Curator's House Restaurant