A new community initiative has invited Christchurch residents to share their personal stories and memories of Cathedral Square as part of an upcoming exhibition exploring the site’s layered history.

The project, titled Cathedral Square Unearthed, has been launched by the Christchurch Archaeology Project and aimed to collect memories, reflections, and personal connections to one of the city’s most significant places.

Organisers said the initiative asked a simple question at its heart. Everyone has a Cathedral Square story. What is yours.

Christchurch Archaeology Project Charitable Trust representative Katharine Watson said the goal was to spark conversation about the central city landmark and the role it had played in people’s lives.

“We want to start a conversation about Cathedral Square, and the links that so many of us have with the centre of our city,” Watson said. “This is the perfect time of year to share memories with family and friends. It might even help people out as a conversation starter over Christmas dinner.”

The stories collected will help inform Cathedral Square Unearthed, a major archaeology exhibition set to be held inside Christ Church Cathedral in February 2026.

Organisers said the exhibition would bring Cathedral Square’s early history to life while also drawing connections between the square’s past residents and merchants and the experiences of people who live in the city today.

Dean of Christchurch Very Rev Ben Truman said historical images showed just how important the square had been to community life.

“As I look back at photos of the Square in the Cathedral archives, I’m always struck by the variety of activities, celebrations and commemorations hosted here. It has always been Christchurch’s collective turangawaewae,” Truman said.

Cathedral Square Unearthed has been created by the Christchurch Archaeology Project and supported by the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project. The free exhibition will be held in Christ Church Cathedral from 16 to 22 February 2026 and will mark the 15th anniversary of the 22 February earthquake.

Christchurch residents who want to share their Cathedral Square stories can find details through the Christchurch Archaeology Project website.