The Firstsite building - shown from the outside
  • The Firstsite building - shown from the outside
  • The Firstsite welcome area
  • Product Image
  • A Firstsite team members welcomes visitors at the Firstsite Welcome Desk.
  • Two customers browse products in the Firstsite shop

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About

Winner of the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2021, Firstsite is an international gallery and creative community space, open all year round, for free, for everyone. See the world differently – experience the very best art and culture from around the world that inspires, empowers and opens your mind.

Throughout our exceptional artistic and cultural activities, enjoyed by all in a fun and inclusive environment, from exhibitions to community events, talks and lectures to holiday fun activities, we provide a programme that celebrates the diverse and radical people of East Anglia and invite everyone to be part of our creative community.

Our unique and curved building, designed by Rafael Vinoly, creates an environment like no other. Its dramatic frontage leads through to stunning gallery and studio spaces and has a unique versatility which makes it perfect for events as well as a fun and inspirational space to immerse yourself in art, culture and creativity.

Until April 24

Featuring over 40 paintings by Norfolk-based artist Claire Cansick, the exhibition depicts a spectrum of climate-related catastrophes, including wildfires, floods, droughts, historic storms, snowfall, war, deforestation, erosion, the proliferation of tornadoes, and the alarming warming of the Arctic.

Each artwork tells a compelling story of nature's relentless struggle against human actions and inactions.

 

Jan-Dec 2024

Noble & Webster have created a remarkable group of anti-monuments in their 24-year career, mixing the strategies of modern sculpture and the attitude of punk to make art from anti-art.
Their work derives much of its power from its fusion of opposites, form and anti-form, high culture and anti-culture, male and female, craft and rubbish, sex and violence.
This series of light sculptures reference iconic pop culture symbols represented in the form of shop-front-type signage and carnival shows inherent of British seaside towns, Las Vegas and Times Square. With the aid of complex light sequencing these signs perpetually flash and spiral out messages of everlasting love, and hate.

Stocking a wide variety of design-led and affordable products, the Firstsite shop is fully accessible and located in the gallery foyer adjacent to the Welcome desk. Our team will be available to help you with your purchase Monday to Sunday

Relax in our light and airy café with outdoor balcony seating.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Firstsite is open for free, for everyone.

Events

Saturday, 20th April 2024 - Sunday, 20th April 2025

Nicola Burrell Concrete DreamsDiscover Colchester-based artist Nicola Burrell's vibrant three-dimensional artworks and sculptures inspired by New Towns in Essex.
more info

Saturday, 26th October 2024 - Sunday, 23rd February 2025

Leonora Carrington: Avatars & AlliancesStep into the magical and mystical world of Leonora Carrington, the British-Mexican painter and novelist, in her debut exhibition in the East of England.
more info

Saturday, 26th October 2024 - Sunday, 23rd February 2025

Leonora Carrington: Avatars & AlliancesStep into the magical and mystical world of Leonora Carrington, the British-Mexican painter and novelist, in her debut exhibition in the East of England.
more info

Saturday, 16th November 2024 - Sunday, 20th April 2025

Halla Groves-Raines Life in PatternsExplore modern Essex and Suffolk through the faces and stories of its residents in this intimate portrait exhibition by artist Halla Groves-Raines.
more info

Thursday, 5th December 2024 - Thursday, 5th December 2024

Wreath MakingJoin Firstsite this joyous season for a wreath making session where you will learn how to make an eco-friendly wreath for your front door.
more info

Friday, 6th December 2024 - Friday, 6th December 2024

Wicker Star WorkshopT'is the season to wicker! Feeling festive? How about lighting up your homes with a unique decoration in our Wicker Star workshop.
more info

Sunday, 8th December 2024 - Sunday, 8th December 2024

Festive Canal Folk ArtDelve into the techniques of Canal Folk Art this season with a Festive Canal Folk Art session and take home your flowery bauble masterpieces!
more info

Saturday, 25th January 2025 - Saturday, 25th January 2025

Friday, 28th February 2025 - Friday, 28th February 2025

Friday, 4th April 2025 - Friday, 4th April 2025

Wednesday, 23rd April 2025 - Wednesday, 23rd April 2025

Introduction to CollageSociable, creative and fun Introduction to Collage Workshop where you'll learn new techniques, unwind and have a delicious lunch together.
more info

Tuesday, 4th February 2025 - Tuesday, 4th February 2025

Thursday, 13th February 2025 - Thursday, 13th February 2025

The Art CaféThe Art Café is our new unguided painting session! Come alone, with friends or that special someone for a fun and relaxing art activity.
more info

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access
  • Wheelchairs available

Booking & Payment Details

  • Free Entry

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments
  • Picnic site

Suitability

  • School Trips

Target Markets

  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Road Directions

By bike Cycle racks are available outside Firstsite. Helmets and equipment can be left in our free cloakroom in our Welcome Area. To view the Colchester cycle map and find out more information about cycling in Colchester, visit the Cycle Colchester website. Walking Firstsite is just a short walk from Colchester’s High Street and can be reached via a walkway off Queen Street, by the Curzon Cinema, or via Lewis Gardens.

By car There is good access to Colchester from all parts of the country via the A12, A120, M25 and A14. To reach the town centre by road, exit the A12 at junction 27 and follow signs to the town centre. Firstsite offers parking for disabled visitors only; there is no on-site parking. Disabled parking bays are allocated on a first come, first served basis – please call 01206 713 700 when planning your visit so we can ensure easy access. Outside the building entrance is a drop-off point for cars and coaches and special access for disabled visitors, this is accessible from Lewis Gardens. We are a short walk from all Colchester’s town centre car parks, the nearest car parks are Priory Street and Britannia. Find out more about parking in Colchester town centre.

Public Transport Directions

By bus The High Street, Queen Street and East Hill are well served by many local bus routes with bus stops just a few minutes’ walk from Firstsite. Queen Street Stop Jc, just by the Curzon Cinema, is our nearest bus stop. This is served by bus routes 64, 64A and 65. Firstsite is also just a 10-minute walk from Colchester’s bus station on Osborne Street. For bus times, check Network Colchester’s website or phone 01206 877620 and Essex County Council’s Interactive Bus and Train map. By rail Journey time from London Liverpool Street to Colchester is approximately 50 minutes on Greater Anglia services with trains running every hour. Firstsite is a few minutes’ walk from Colchester Town Station via Queens Street. Walking from Colchester mainline station takes approx. 25 minutes or short a bus ride. Taxis are also available from outside the station. For more information or to plan your route, please visit National Rail Enquiries. Park and Ride Alight at the High Street stop, Firstsite is just 5 minutes’ walk long the High Street and onto Queen Street. Find out more about Colchester’s Park and Ride. By coach A drop-off point for coaches is situated outside the front of the building – this is accessible from Lewis Gardens. The Colchester Borough Council run car park on Sheepen Road can accommodate coaches. Accessible by Public Transport: Colchester Town station is 1 mile away.

Firstsite

Type:Art Gallery

Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH

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Tel+44 (0)1206 713 700

Awards

  • Other AwardsSelf-assessed Accessibility Information Self-assessed Accessibility Information
  • Regional and MiscellaneousMuddy Stilettos – Award 2022 Muddy Stilettos – Award 2022 2022

Opening Times

* Our galleries are open every day from 10am – 5pm, but we also have many other areas to Firstsite which are open throughout the evening.

Welcome area and Box Office
Mon–Sun: 9am–9pm

Art Gallery
Mon–Sun: 10am–5pm

Firstsite Shop
Mon–Sun: 10am–5pm

Café
Mon–Sun: 10am–5pm

Box Office
You can book tickets for our cinema and events online, in person or over the phone.

In person at our Welcome Desk at the entrance (Mon–Sun: 9am-9pm)

By telephone: 01206 713 700 (Mon–Sun: 9am–9pm)

By email: Info@firstsite.uk

Annual Closures
Firstsite is closed on 25& 26 December and 1 January.

Exhibition changeovers
Firstsite offers a vibrant programme of changing exhibitions. This does mean that at times a gallery space may be closed as a new exhibition is in the process of being installed. However, the programme is planned to ensure closure of a space is kept to a minimum and that there is always an exhibition open to the public.

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