The Best Contemporary Art Galleries in Norwich
Norwich has a great selection of contemporary art galleries that are well worth a visit if you are in city.
Norwich is the largest city in East Anglia and is home to around 375,000 people. It has a rich history, having been settled by the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th and 7th centuries. Alongside London and Bristol, Norwich was one of the three largest cities in England before the industrial revolution. This strong heritage is still evident in the architecture, merchant houses, Tudor houses and its historic lanes and cobbled streets. As well as its landmarks such as the Norman cathedral and castle.
Today, Norwich has a vibrant art community, with an array of galleries to explore, each housed in a unique setting such as the 17th Century merchants houses, underground spaces and the Sir Norman Foster designed Sainsbury Centre. This makes Norwich an excellent cultural destination to visit for a short holiday or weekend break.
I have listed some of the most notable contemporary art galleries in Norwich to help you plan your next cultural visit to the city. I have included opening times for each gallery that are correct at the time of writing this blog post, but please check the latest information before your visit.
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is an excellent gallery, located to the south of Norwich, on the University of East Anglia campus. This galley houses the extensive art collection of Robert Sainsbury (the eldest son of Sainsbury's supermarkets founder John James Sainsbury) and Lisa Sainsbury. It also houses the Anderson Collection of Art Nouveau and the University of East Anglia’s Abstract and Constructivist Collection. The building itself was designed by Sir Norman Foster and Wendy Cheesman and completed in 1970, it has since become Listed. This building was designed with longevity in mind, with the ethos being centred around a flexible space, capable of adapting to change. This works well for the use of the building as a gallery.
Admission is free, but some exhibitions and events are charged separately. The Sainsbury Centre is open Tuesday to Friday between 9am and 6pm and Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 5pm.
Address: Sainsbury Centre, University of East Anglia, Norfolk Road, Norwich NR4 7TJ
Mandell's Gallery
Mandell’s Gallery is located along Elm Hill, arguably Norwich’s most historic cobbled street, with its former merchant’s houses, speciality shops and small cafes. Mandell’s Gallery features a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary fine art, within its three gallery spaces. It puts on a regular programme of contemporary art exhibitions, with a focus on East Anglian Contemporary artists. Admission is free, and Mandell’s Gallery is open Monday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm.
OUTPOST Gallery
OUTPOST Gallery is located to the rear of Norwich’s historic Elm Hill, along Wensum Street. This gallery was formed in 2004 by seven artists and makers with a desire to develop ‘uncompromising contemporary art’. They expanded their reach in 2010, to develop an affordable studio complex in Anglia Square, Norwich for over 80 artists. OUTPOST Gallery is generally open Thursdays to Sunday between 12pm and 6pm when they have exhibitions on. They can make viewing appointments outside of these hours on request.
Address: OUTPOST Gallery, 10b Wensum Street, Norwich, NR3 1HR, UK
The Undercroft Gallery
The Undercroft Gallery is a very unique and hidden space located at the back of Norwich market. It is actually located underneath the Memorial Gardens, in front of City Hall, and is accessed from the steps, opposite the Guildhall. This is an excellent concrete space that can be used in a flexible manner and lends itself perfectly for the display of artwork. It is only open when the space has been hired for use. When in Norwich, it is always worth seeing if the space is open.
Address: The Undercroft Gallery, St Peter's Street, Norwich NR2 1NE
Anteros Arts Foundation
The Anteros Arts Foundation is an art education charity that actively promotes the arts in Norfolk. The Anteros Arts Foundation is located just to the north of Fye Bridge and in an historic Grade II* Listed Tudor merchant's house. The gallery actively celebrates diversity and equality and has a display of new exhibitions every fortnight. These exhibitions are by local artists in the Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire area and cover a wide spectrum of art forms and styles. The Anteros Arts Foundation also provides art courses and has a music programme in its upstairs space. Admission is free and the gallery is open between 9.30am and 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
Address: Anteros Art Foundation, 11-15 Fye Bridge Street, Norwich NR3 1LJ
Fairhurst Gallery
Fairhurst Gallery was first established on Elm Hill in 1949, but has since moved to the Lanes. It is now located in a 17th Century skittle alley and former jazz club. This gallery regularly hosts new exhibitions, with a focus on contemporary fine art and emerging artists. Fairhurst Gallery is open 9.30am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
Address: Fairhurst Gallery, Websdales Court, Bedford Street, Norwich, NR2 1AR
Castle Fine Art
Castle Fine Art is a national gallery chain that operates from a unit in the Back Of The Inns, nestled in the Norwich Lanes. It houses contemporary artwork from a number of well-known artists including Bob Barker, Ronnie Wood and Bob Dylan. Castle Fine Art is open Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm and Sunday between 10am and 4pm.
Address: Castle Fine Art, 13 Back Of The Inns, Norwich, NR2 1PT
Norwich Studio Art Gallery
Norwich Studio Art Gallery is located in a 17th Century former butchers shop. This is one of Norwich’s smaller gallery spaces, and specialises in modern and contemporary fine art with a focus on Eastern European arts. It is currently open by appointment only.
Address: Norwich Studio Art Gallery, 77 Upper St Giles Street, Norwich
I hope you have found my list of galleries in Norwich useful. If you have visited any of these galleries, I would love to hear your thoughts or if you feel one of your favourites is missing from the list, please email me and let me know at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.
