ADMISSION TO FIRSTSITE IS FREE

Open Tuesday – Sunday.

See our opening times

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.

See What's On and Book

 

Join us

Become a Mosaic Membership and receive incredible benefits and discounts

Join today

ADMISSION TO FIRSTSITE IS FREE

Open Tuesday – Sunday.

See our opening times

What's on

Top picks

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.

Read more

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!

Read more

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).

Read more

Cinema

Björk’s Cornucopia

10 May 2025

7:45 pm

Björk’s Cornucopia, the highly anticipated concert film live in Lisbon, captures the celebrated artist’s tour that mesmerised audiences.

Read more

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.

Read more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart

01 February 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.

Read more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

The Art Café

04 February - 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.

Read more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Introduction to Collage

28 February - 12 September 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.

Read more

Community and Partners

Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market

03 May 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.

Read more

Cinema

National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove

27 March - 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.

Read more

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. 

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Cinema

National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest

20 February - 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.

Read more

Cinema

Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII

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!

Read more

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.

Read more

Exhibitions

Free

Acorn Village: 50 Years

26 April - 07 September 2025

Discover the inspiring 50-year journey of Acorn Village, told through a rich collection of artworks created by artists with learning disabilities.

Read more

Cinema

Ernest Cole: Lost and Found

25 - 30 April 2025

Multiple times available

Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, shows how a South African photographer was the first to expose the horrors of apartheid to a world audience.

Read more

Cinema

Exhibition on Screen: Michelangelo: Love and Death

21 - 24 May 2025

Multiple times available

Michelangelo’s spectacular works seem so familiar, but do we really know this renaissance genius? This is Michelangelo: Love and Death.

Read more

Talks & Events

Firstsite Fabulous Fridays

16 May 2025

Multiple times available

Immerse yourself in a world of unlimited creativity at our monthly Fabulous Fridays with unique workshops, art, tasty treats and great films!

Read more

Cinema

The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works

25 May 2025

2:00 pm

The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works showcases the remarkable choreographic range of Christopher Wheeldon.

Read more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Origami Workshop

16 May 2025

7:00 pm

In our Origami Workshop, Lu Yu will guide you step by step through the creation of specific origami shapes in this ancient art form!

Read more

Cinema

André Rieu’s 2025 Maastricht Concert: Waltz the Night Away!

30 - 31 August 2025

Multiple times available

Step into a night of music, romance, and celebration this summer from the stunning Vrijthof Square with André Rieu’s Waltz the Night Away!

Read more

Cinema

BSFF25: Krazy House

01 May 2025

3:20 pm

Krazy House follows religious homemaker Bernie and his sitcom family. When criminals invade his home he has to save his imprisoned family.

Read more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

EcoArt Collage and Craft

16 May - 27 June 2025

Multiple times available

Join us for our EcoArt Collage and Craft workshop where creativity meets sustainability In this unique group experience!

Read more

Cinema

Tall Tales

08 May 2025

5:45 pm

Be one of the first to hear Thom Yorke’s newest album accompanied with ground-breaking visual artist Jonathan Zawada in Tall Tales.

Read more

Cinema

A Minecraft Movie

23 - 29 May 2025

Multiple times available

Four misfits — Garrett “The Garbage Man”, Henry, Natalie and Dawn —find themselves struggling with ordinary problems in A Minecraft Movie.

Read more

Cinema

Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story

23 - 29 May 2025

Multiple times available

Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story recounts her controversial life, novels, love affairs, and stardom through personal journals.

Read more

Cinema

Escape From Extinction: Rewilding

23 - 24 May 2025

Multiple times available

Can the world be saved? Narrated by Meryl Streep, follow experts as they seek to Escape from Extinction: Rewilding.

Read more

Cinema

Four Mothers

16 - 17 May 2025

Multiple times available

Four Mothers. That’s who a struggling novelist who is forced to take care of over the course of one chaotic weekend in Dublin.

Read more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Getting Started with Drawing

25 May - 13 July 2025

Multiple times available

Join us in Getting Started with Drawing, a relaxed drawing workshop, to explore different drawing techniques and materials.

Read more

Cinema

Mr. Burton (Captioned)

13 May 2025

2:00 pm

The true story of how Mr. Burton, became one of the greatest actors of his generation with the help of an unlikely mentor.

Read more

Cinema

National Theatre Live: A Streetcar Named Desire

06 - 08 June 2025

Multiple times available

Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby, and Ben Foster lead the cast in Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece, A Streetcar Named Desire

Read more

Cinema

Ocean With David Attenborough

09 - 15 May 2025

Multiple times available

After nearly 70 years of filming the natural world, Ocean With David Attenborough is Sir David’s most powerful and urgent message yet.

Read more

Cinema

One To One: John & Yoko

16 - 22 May 2025

Multiple times available

This is One to One: John & Yoko, John Lennon’s only full-length show after leaving The Beatles, at Madison Square Garden and much more.

Read more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Portfolio Surgery – Afternoon Sessions

10 May 2025

Multiple times available

Book a one-on-one session at our free Artist Portfolio Surgery, where an industry expert will provide professional guidance.

Read more

Cinema

The Alto Knights

30 April 2025

Multiple times available

The Alto Knights follows two of New York’s most notorious organised crime bosses, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese.

Read more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

The Firstsite Art Fair: Kite Making Workshop

10 May 2025

Multiple times available

At the first Firstsite Art Fair, whether you’re an art or kite flying lover, unleash your creativity in our hands-on Kite Making Workshop!

Read more

Cinema

The Penguin Lessons

23 - 29 May 2025

Multiple times available

Starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, The Penguin Lessons follows an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin.

Read more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Watercolour and Wine

20 June 2025

7:00 pm

Celebrate watercolour with an evening of creativity, relaxation and wine at our Watercolour and Wine Workshop!

Read more

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
A selection of homeware products, including books, umbrella, cards, felted flowers, candle holders on a pink vibrant background. A white font text next to the products says 'Step into Spring with artful living'.

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.

Read more

Social posts

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

    Join our mailing list

    Sign up to our mailing list to receive the latest updates from Firstsite.