185 Chairs

185 chairs, is an unofficial memorial for the 185 individuals who died in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Envisaged as a short-term installation made from chairs painted white, it has become a major tourist attraction in Christchurch. Installed at the day of the earthquake's first anniversary, it preceded the official earthquake memorial—the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial—by five years. As of 2017, there is a desire to turn the temporary installation into a permanent fixture.

[Maggiemae]

Haven't seen this - it must be moving - similar to ones with empty shoes!
And glad to see you back again!

[Annie D]

I hope they decide to keep it...it's been a long time there so they should
Hope you keep hanging around...I started my 7th year a couple of days ago - I'm behind in my main album as usual hahaha

[Chris]

I too haven't seen this but certainly a poignant memorial. Nice see you are back and hope you are well. Wish you well for the future and retirement.

[K1W1]

@maggiemae @kipper1951 The chairs are located at Cashel St, Christchurch Central. I am not sure if that is going to be the home of the more permanent version of the memorial or not. @annied It is my understanding that they are making a permanent version of this out of powder coated steel. I do hope they keep this. It is nice to see people visiting and sitting and resting in a chair that 'speaks' to them.

[Gillian]

Very interesting memorial.