We are open!
Enjoy our exhibitions, films and events, relax in our newly refurbished cafe with outdoor balcony seating and find quirky and original products in our shop.
We are open every day, for free, for everyone. There’s no need to book, just pop in and explore!
What's on
Top picks
Exhibitions
Free
Art for Life: An exhibition made with key workers
17th May - 5th September 2021
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Discover different perspectives of the pandemic and reflect on your own in this poignant exhibition. Feel connected through art, creativity and shared experiences.
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Free
The Great Big Art Exhibition
17th May - 5th September 2021
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Great Big Art Exhibition is a celebration of creativity across the UK. This gallery exhibition features thousands of artworks shared with Firstsite over social media.
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Earwig And The Witch
29th May - 26th June 2021
Multiple times available
Growing up in an orphanage in the British countryside, Earwig has no idea that her mother had magical powers.
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Free
‘Art for Life’ Art Psychotherapy Workshop | Drop in
19th June - 14th August 2021
Multiple times available
Take part in an expressive and collaborative experience, reflecting on the COVID pandemic and beginning to emerge back in to the world.
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Free
Michael Landy’s Welcome to Essex
26th June - 5th September 2021
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
‘Michael Landy’s Welcome to Essex’ invites you to explore, celebrate and question the recent history of Essex and its contemporary portrayal in popular culture.
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Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (Captioned)
20th - 27th June 2021
Multiple times available
Peter Rabbit the lovable rogue is back! Bea, Thomas, and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation.
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Margaret Thatcher: The Colchester Years
1st July 2021
6:30 pm
Join historian and honorary fellow of the Department of History at The University of Essex, as he uncovers the early life of Colchester’s controversial former resident.
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Video Recording: Simon Carter Online Workshop
20th December 2020 - 20th December 2021
12:00 pm ,
Draw and paint along with artist Simon Carter as he demonstrates his own methods of working, using the view from your window as inspiration.
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Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry
12th - 17th June 2021
Multiple times available
“Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry” tells the true coming-of-age story of the singer- songwriter and her rise to global superstardom.
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Take a look at our shop
Featuring a range of design-led and affordable products, 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.
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Hire Firstsite
Firstsite’s stunning architecture and versatile spaces creates a fun and inspiring venue for any event – from private parties to conferences, community meetings and presentations. Plus, by hiring our spaces you can support the local community as any profits go straight back into funding our exhibitions and outreach projects.
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Latest news
Press release: New Exhibition
20th April 2021
Art for Life: An exhibition made with keyworkers An Arts Council Collection National Partners Programme Exhibition 17 May – 5 September 2021
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