Firstsite Colchester

Firstsite Colchester Art gallery & cultural centre in Colchester, Essex. We are open Tue-Sun, for free, for everyone.
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Firstsite is renowned for its radical and unconventional building – a spectacular golden crescent that’s a work of art in its own right. This purpose-built gallery was designed by the Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, following a worldwide architectural competition which called for a design that turned the traditional white cube gallery inside-out. Viñoly’s curved design was chosen from more than 100 entries worldwide.

Explore the transformed exhibition!🎓 University Centre Colchester (UCC): To Be Continued📅 From Sat 6 JunSee the exhibiti...
02/06/2026

Explore the transformed exhibition!

🎓 University Centre Colchester (UCC): To Be Continued
📅 From Sat 6 Jun

See the exhibition refreshed with brand-new artworks by graduating artists from University Centre Colchester. Discover the final pieces, created during their time in our Mosaic Space, and celebrate the next chapter of their creative journeys.

🥂 Join us on Fri 5 Jun, 5pm–8pm for a special evening with the artists. Meet the makers behind the work, ask questions, and explore the exhibition.

Free entry - everyone welcome!

What’s on at Firstsite Cinema this week 🎬💚Celebrate 25 years of Shrek with a special anniversary screening of the belove...
01/06/2026

What’s on at Firstsite Cinema this week 🎬💚

Celebrate 25 years of Shrek with a special anniversary screening of the beloved animated favourite, while Guillermo del Toro’s Cronos offers a haunting and atmospheric journey into gothic horror.

Discover remarkable real-life stories in Leonora in the Morning Light and Northern Soul - Still Burning, alongside the striking new drama Wild Foxes.

We’re also delighted to present National Theatre Live: The Pl***oy of the Western World, bringing the energy and brilliance of live theatre direct to the big screen.

As always, we continue to offer accessible screenings, creating a relaxed and welcoming cinema experience for everyone.

To view all films and book tickets, visit our website via the link in our bio 🎟️

31/05/2026

UK artists, want a solo show at Firstsite and £30,000? 😱

If you're an artist in the UK making work you believe in, this prize was built for you!

We have joined forces with the submission and judging platform, Zealous, to launch The Artist Prize, a brand-new UK-wide open submission prize - one that celebrates and supports artists in any medium and at whatever stage of their career they are at.

Judged by 80+ curators and arts professionals across the UK. 20 shortlisted artists exhibit together at Firstsite in a group show in 2027. One winner will receive £30,000 and a solo show in our gallery in 2028!

Tiered entry fees start from £10 - enter by Wed 8 Jul 2026, 12pm.

Enter now: https://vist.ly/563dg

🚨 Big news - venue hire at Firstsite is now up to 65% off.We’ve reduced our venue hire prices by up to 65%, making our s...
30/05/2026

🚨 Big news - venue hire at Firstsite is now up to 65% off.

We’ve reduced our venue hire prices by up to 65%, making our spaces more accessible than ever for events of all sizes.

Whether you’re planning a celebration, corporate event, workshop or gathering, our spaces now offer exceptional value without compromising on experience or flexibility.

With warmer months ahead, our outdoor areas offer plenty of possibility - a spacious terrace and open lawn ideal for performances and larger gatherings, plus quieter landscaped areas ideal for relaxed catch-ups and breakout moments.

Explore our new pricing and discover how Firstsite can bring your next event to life at a significantly reduced cost.

You can get in touch with our Venue Hire team at [email protected] or via our website enquiry form 🔗

Shrek, The Christophers, The Sheep Detectives.Join us for an adventure-packed cinema escapes this June!Our Accessible Sc...
30/05/2026

Shrek, The Christophers, The Sheep Detectives.

Join us for an adventure-packed cinema escapes this June!

Our Accessible Screenings invite you to experience iconic animated adventures, explore the life of a London artist, and enjoy a witty tale of a sheep detective shepherd on our big screen - your way 😊

Step into a month of creativity and self-expression ✨Throughout June, alongside exploring Godfried Donkor’s: It’s a Numb...
29/05/2026

Step into a month of creativity and self-expression ✨

Throughout June, alongside exploring Godfried Donkor’s: It’s a Numbers Game, discover a programme of workshops inspired by the exhibition’s bold themes of identity, culture, fashion and storytelling - from expressive painting and playful collage-making to hands-on creative sessions for all ages 🎨
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You’ll also find opportunities to sketch, paint and experiment in relaxed, social settings.
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Swipe to see what’s on. Spaces fill up fast, so we recommend booking in advance.
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For more info and tickets, visit our website 🔗

We’re pleased to welcome Essex Uniform Exchange to Firstsite tomorrow! Essex Uniform Exchange is a community project hel...
27/05/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Essex Uniform Exchange to Firstsite tomorrow!

Essex Uniform Exchange is a community project helping families access free, good quality second-hand school uniform while also encouraging reuse and reducing waste. Families are welcome to come along to pick up school uniform or simply find out more about the service.

The event is completely free and open to everyone - no booking needed.

📍 Firstsite
📅 Thursday 28 May
🕦 11:30am-3pm

If you have any clean school uniform that’s no longer needed, donations are very welcome too. We look forward to seeing you there!

Holiday Fun is in full swing and there's lots more to come! 🕺This week, there are more free sessions of Football, Rugby,...
26/05/2026

Holiday Fun is in full swing and there's lots more to come! 🕺

This week, there are more free sessions of Football, Rugby, Breakdance, Circus Skills, plus brand-new Forest School activities 🌿

Need a break in between activities? The canteen will be serving nutritious family meals freshly prepared by our community chefs 🍽️

Reserve your free spots now! firstsite.uk/event_categories/holiday-fun/

You can also drop in for daily creative workshops with local artists Clare Sams, Sue Gascoyne, Iris Dina Gonnarsdottir and Nicola Burrell.

25/05/2026

NOW OPEN | 🥊 Godfried Donkor: It’s a Numbers Game

Bringing together large-scale collages, paintings, textiles, and installation, the exhibition fills our galleries with colour, sound, and energy – inviting you to think about history in a completely new way.

This summer, encounter bold, visually striking works that combine beauty with powerful ideas – from intricate embroidered symbols to monumental collages built from the pages of financial news.

Open now until the end of summer, so there’ll be plenty of chances to come back and discover something new each time. 😉

📍 Firstsite, Colchester
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Here’s a look at what’s on in our cinema this week 🎨🍿ㅤThis week brings together powerful exhibition film, unsettling thr...
25/05/2026

Here’s a look at what’s on in our cinema this week 🎨🍿
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This week brings together powerful exhibition film, unsettling thrillers, cult fashion drama, and world-class live performance.
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Don’t miss Frida Kahlo: The Making of an Icon (Exhibition on Screen), a vivid exploration of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists in history, alongside the eerie psychological tension of Exit 8 and Mother Mary, offering immersive, unsettling storytelling.
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We’re also bringing back iconic style with The Devil Wears Prada 2, a sharp return to ambition, power, and high-fashion chaos 👠
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Plus, experience world-class live performance with MET Opera Live: El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego and the National Theatre’s production of The Pl***oy of the Western World, delivering unforgettable stage storytelling direct to cinema.
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As always, we continue to offer accessible screenings, creating a relaxed and welcoming experience for everyone.
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To view all films and book tickets, visit our website via the link in our bio 🎟️

Address

Lewis Gardens
Colchester
CO11JH

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 10pm
Friday 10am - 10pm
Saturday 10am - 10pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

01206 713700

Website

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