Christchurch Art Gallery is in a striking building in the heart of Christchurch. Featuring a spectacular flowing glass and metal facade that evokes the sinuous form of the koru and Christchurch's River Avon, the building houses nine exhibition areas, a reference and study library, multi purpose auditorium, education workrooms, an underground car park, a restaurant, retail outlets and extensive collection storage spaces. The gallery forms an important part of the cultural life of the city and of New Zealand, offering many and varied exhibitions as well as other programs.