WIP · World in Pocket

185 chairs

Christchurch, Italy

185 empty chairs, also known as 185 white chairs or 185 empty white chairs or simply as 185 chairs, was 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 became a major tourist attrac

tion in Christchurch, New Zealand. 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 was a desire to turn the temporary installation into a permanent fixture. The memorial was closed and the chairs dispersed in April 2023.

Listen to the audio guide for 185 chairs Free on WIP — starts by itself when you arrive, even with the screen off