by Katie Thompson
Norwich is a city of creativity, community, and stories. So, it comes as no surprise that we’re home to an abundance of art in many forms.
For starters, we’re home to Norwich University of the Arts- which you’ll quite aptly find in our Creative Quarter- and the Sainsbury Centre, a forward-thinking art museum where you’ll rethink your relationship with art. Then there’s our museums and textile-making history. And if you look around, you’ll notice an abundance of incredible architecture, too.
Whether you’re interested in fine art, sculpture, or photography, this is our guide to art in Norwich.
Explore thousands of years of world art at the Sainsbury Centre
When it comes to art in Norwich, we have to mention the Sainsbury Centre. This forward-thinking art museum (2 miles from the city centre on the no. 25 bus) is home to photography, paintings, sculpture, and more spanning 5000 years of world art, all the way from 1200BC Mesoamerica to 21st century Britain.
What makes the Sainsbury Centre stand out from the crowd? Here, art is living. You can really experience the power of art- making emotional connections, hugging a Henry Moore, and becoming your own artwork in a life-size display case.
Tucked away in the city centre, The South Asia Collection is one of Norwich’s hidden gems. Housed in a former Victorian roller-skating rink (check out the ceiling!), this museum has an amazing display of traditional South Asian art and crafts.
The museum records, conserves and promotes the cultures of South Asia and its surrounding countries, as well as supporting the livelihoods of the craftspeople in those countries. Discover the cultures of Pakistan, Myanmar, Indonesia and more.
Outpost is just one of Norwich’s many galleries
Wondering around our fine city, you’ll see independent galleries dotted along our city streets. Take your time to peruse their collections- you might just get lost in the inspiration.
You can find the city centre’s biggest gallery in Norwich Castle. Not just an impressive Norman keep, it’s also home to an incredible collection of fine, decorative, and contemporary art.
Here, you’ll be introduced to the world’s largest collection of works by artists of the Norwich School, a renowned society including the likes of John Crome and John Sell Cotman. Other must-sees are The Paston Treasure, the Tower of Babel, and works by JMW Turner!
On the ground floor, explore the Castle’s decorative arts collection, which includes beautifully woven Norwich shawls. (At the Museum of Norwich, you can see a full-restored 19th century handloom!) While ‘holding space’ highlights its modern art pieces. And make sure to pay a special visit to the dedicated exhibition space (included in admission), which celebrates names like Colin Self and Roger Ackling.
If you’re tempted to buy something, we suggest checking out Undercroft (Norwich Market), Outpost (Tombland), Anteros Art Foundation (Magdalen Street), Moosey Art (Guildhall Hill), Fairhurst (Bedford Street) and Mandell’s (Elm Hill). Not to mention annual Arts Fair East, which takes place each December!
A day of exploring isn’t complete without a visit to St Peter Hungate church for its Medieval Art. Speaking of churches, see a finely woven Flemish tapestry in St Peter Mancroft church opposite The Forum!
Norwich University of the Arts’ grad shows are packed with creativity
Every year, Norwich University of the Arts celebrates its students’ creativity with a week-long Graduate Showcase in June– don’t miss it! You can explore the university’s buildings and discover up-and-coming creatives’ work in a whole range of different mediums, both modern and traditional. From photography and film, illustration and fine art, architecture and interior design to graphic design, fashion, textiles and even games art.
The university is also home to East Gallery. This central public art space is open free to everyone and hosts exhibitions of international, national, and local artists, curators, and designers of all disciplines.
Marble Hall will take your breath away
Have you seen the free art in Norwich’s centre? Our buildings make the perfect canvas for our urban art trail. Launched in 2016, you can see a myriad of City of Stories-themed murals across our streets- there are 8 to tick off, as well 12 smaller murals across Norwich Market! Think Boudicca, dragons, and captivating cityscapes.
Another unmissable installation is Flint at Norwich Arts Centre. Its creative light is inspired by Norwich’s architecture and buzzing atmosphere. Visit during the day and you’ll discover a series of mirrored totems; visit when the light is low, and you’ll be treated to a beautiful light sequence.
And you could say that our eye-catching architecture is also public art. We suggest a visit to Marble Hall (free, office hours, Monday – Friday), a breathtaking interior in Surrey House. Designed by local architect George Skipper, it boasts 40 columns and 15 varieties of marble (originally meant for Westminster Cathedral, no less). Skipper’s other works include the beautiful Art Nouveau Royal Arcade and our grand department store Jarrolds.
Atwin is the perfect place to discover local makers
Norwich is known for its independent spirit and our indie stores are the ideal place to discover local makers and their wares. For example, conscious womenswear and lifestyle store Atwin sells handmade jewellery by Studio Adorn (who are based upstairs!), clothing by Rebecca Brown, prints by Danielle East and ceramics by East Creations- all Norfolk-based.
Elsewhere there’s Spring Store on St Augustines (run by local illustrator Victoria Catten) and Norwich Market’s pop-up stall and Local Makers Market regularly host creatives like Norwich natives Morwenna Farrell and Band of Starlings.
And if that’s not enough, be sure to embrace our literary history as England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, visit one of our many theatres and venues for music, dance and more, and celebrate with events like Norfolk & Norwich Festival (annually in May) and Love Light.
