ADMISSION TO FIRSTSITE IS FREE

Open Tuesday – Sunday.

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Welcome to Firstsite!

See the world differently – experience the very best art and culture from around the world that inspires, empowers and opens your mind.

Enjoy our exhibitions, workshops, films and events. Relax in our colourful cafe with outdoor seating and find quirky products in our shop.

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ADMISSION TO FIRSTSITE IS FREE

Open Tuesday – Sunday.

See our opening times

What's on

Top picks

Exhibitions

Free

University Centre Colchester (UCC): Legacy

08 March - 15 June 2025

In partnership with Colchester Institute, we’re proud to present the UCC: Legacy exhibition, featuring an exciting selection of multimedia works by second and third-year students from University Centre Colchester (UCC).

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Exhibitions

Free

Halla Groves-Raines: Life in Patterns

16 November 2024 - 20 April 2025

Discover fresh perspectives from modern Essex and Suffolk through the faces and stories of its residents in an intimate portrait exhibition by Essex-based artist Halla Groves-Raines.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart

03 May 2025 - 07 February 2026

Multiple times available

A one-of-a-kind life drawing class, where your tutor and model will offer multiple poses in fantastical settings.

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Cinema

Billy Elliot The Musical Live (20th Anniversary)

02 April 2025

Multiple times available

Billy Elliot The Musical shows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Words from Art Poetry Workshop

08 May 2025

7:00 pm

Our Words from Art Poetry Workshop is practical session which will explore a variety of techniques to writing poems inspired by works of art.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

The Art Café

02 April - 07 May 2025

Multiple times available

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

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Cinema

André Rieu’s 75th Birthday Celebration: The Dream Continues

12 - 13 April 2025

Multiple times available

André Rieu celebrates his 75th Birthday! The King of the Waltz invites you to a boat party with him and his beloved Johann Strauss Orchestra.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Boozy Brushes – Paint in Pairs

25 April 2025

7:30 pm

Join Sirena Hart at Firstsite for Boozy Brushes a multi-art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza where you can paint in pairs!

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Cinema

Bonnie & Clyde The Musical

01 - 04 May 2025

Multiple times available

Bonnie & Clyde The Musical is the story of two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere who became the biggest folk heroes in all America.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Introduction to Collage

04 April - 04 July 2025

Multiple times available

Sociable, creative and fun Introduction to Collage Workshop where you’ll learn new techniques, unwind and have a delicious lunch together.

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Cinema

BSFF25: Cult Film Secret Screening

03 May 2025

8:05 pm

As is the Black Sunday tradition, we will be closing the 2025 festival with a stone-cold cult secret classic!

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Community and Partners

Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market

05 April 2025 - 07 December 2024

Multiple times available

Have a handmade shopping day. The people in your life deserves something special and for a totally unique gift, you cannot beat handmade.

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Cinema

Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert

03 - 05 April 2025

Multiple times available

Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert captures an extraordinary live performance of some of Zimmer’s most revered compositions…

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Cinema

MET Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia

31 May 2025

5:45 pm

MET Opera Live 2024–25 season comes to a close with MET Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rossini’s effervescent comedy. 

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Talks & Events

The Firstsite Art Fair

10 May 2025

Multiple times available

The Firstsite Art Fair brings together a diverse range of artists, collectors, art lovers and all who are simply curios about art.

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Cinema

National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove

01 June 2025

Multiple times available

Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Dr. Strangelove.

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Cinema

Neil Young Coastal

17 April 2025

7:00 pm

Take a journey with maverick musician in Neil Young Coastal, a personal, behind-the-scenes documentary on his recent solo tour.

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Cinema

BSFF25: Bystanders

01 May 2025

12:50 pm

A group of murderous frat boys get more than they bargained for when they cross paths with a couple coming home from a wedding in Bystanders.

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Cinema

National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest

11 May 2025

Multiple times available

Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy – The Importance of Being Earnest.

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Cinema

SIX The Musical Live!

11 - 20 April 2025

Multiple times available

Filmed at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, the original West End Queens of SIX the Musical Live! are back on the big screen!

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Cinema

Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII

24 - 27 April 2025

Multiple times available

Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, the 1972 film, features iconic songs, stunning visuals, and rare behind-the-scenes moments!

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Cinema

MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro

26 April 2025

5:45 pm

Mozart’s timeless and profoundly humane comedy returns to Firstsite in MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro.

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Exhibitions

Free

Elsa James: It Should Not Be Forgotten

29 March - 06 July 2025

Join Essex artist Elsa James in examining the heart of Britain’s colonial past and its lasting impact on Black life today.

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Become a Mosaic Member today!

Enjoy a unlimited free access to our films and a whole host of special offers and generous discounts with a Firstsite Mosaic Membership.

As a treat for yourself – or a gift for someone else – being a Firstsite Mosaic Members provides a year of fantastic benefits, and helps to support art and creativity in East Anglia.

Join today

Explore our online shop

Featuring a range of design-led products and books inspired by our exhibition programme, events and community, our shop has something for everyone. All profits from your purchase raises funds to help us keep our exhibitions free and supports our community outreach activities.

 

Shop online

Make the most of your visit

Latest news

Firstsite Collectors’ Group Bursary Awards invest in eight more exciting talents from our region

19 March 2025

Recognising and supporting some of East Anglia’s most creative people, the Firstsite Collectors’ Group Bursary Awards will again provide financial support to eight outstanding artistic projects.

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Social posts

    Welcome area at Firstsite. 'Big Hello' (2018) Peter Liversidge. Photo by Jayne Lloyd.

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