We are open!
Reflect, refresh and reconnect at Firstsite.
Enjoy our brand new programme of exhibitions, films and events. Relax in our new cafe with outdoor balcony seating and find fresh and fun new products in our shop.
We are open every day, for free, for everyone. There’s no need to book, just pop in and explore!
Discover What's On
What's on
Top picks
Children & Families
Free
Holiday Fun | Canteen | October Half Term 2020
28th - 30th October 2020
Multiple times available
Enjoy a hot and nutritious meal at the Firstsite Canteen this October Half Term, free for both children and their caregivers. As part of our Holiday Fun programme.
Read moreArt is where the home is
Online Workshop: Painting with Simon Carter
27th - 29th October 2020
10:00 am - 11:30 am , Suitable for all abilities
Join artist Simon Carter for a three-day online drawing and painting workshop, live via Zoom from his studio.
Read moreExhibitions
Free
Tell me the story of all these things
24th July - 1st November 2020
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Firstsite and the Arts Council Collection present ‘Tell me the story of all these things’, featuring artworks made by some of Britain’s best-known artists, including Tracey Emin, Sarah Lucas, Cornelia Parker and Gillian Wearing – each selected by radical…
Read moreCinema
Idiot Prayer: Nick Cave Alone at Alexandra Palace
5th November 2020
7:30 pm
‘Idiot Prayer’ sees Nick Cave play his songs at the piano in a rarely seen stripped back form, from early Bad Seeds, right through to his most recent album.
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Free
Colchester and Ipswich Art Societies: Borders
24th July - 1st November 2020
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Colchester and Ipswich Art Societies explore their mutual border, the River Stour, in an exhibition that celebrates the thriving creativity of the region, the joy of making and the enjoyment and well-being gained through experiencing art.
Read moreExhibitions
Free
@background_bob and his amazing friends
24th October 2020 - 31st January 2021
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Coming soon to Firstsite, an uplifting exhibition featuring artworks from artists across the world, brought together by @background_bob.
Read moreExhibitions
Free
Phyllida Barlow
24th July 2020 - 17th January 2021
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
This presentation of Phyllida Barlow’s sculptures in our Welcome Area leads our reopening following the imposed lockdown due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Read moreExhibitions
Free
Sonia Coode-Adams: Lockdown Garden
24th July - 22nd November 2020
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
‘Lockdown Garden’ features tranquil watercolour landscapes of the garden at Feeringbury Manor, created by the artist during the imposed lockdown.
Read moreTalks & Events
How refugees saved Colchester
19th November 2020
6:30 pm
Join historian and honorary fellow of the Department of History at The University of Essex, David Grocott, to discover the economic impact of the arrival of the Dutch, and the enduring contribution immigrants made to the town.
Read moreCinema
Bolshoi Ballet: Lady of Camellias
8th November 2020
2:00 pm
Choreographer John Neumeier adapts Alexandre Dumas Fils’s timeless novel for the stage with great sensitivity and depth in his work of rare beauty.
Read moreChildren & Families
Free
Holiday Fun | Move | October Half Term 2020
28th - 30th October 2020
Multiple times available
Keep children active this October Half Term with sports activities outside. As part of our Holiday Fun programme that runs every school holiday.
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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.
Explore venue hireMake the most of your visit
Latest news
We are still open and ready to welcome you!
16th October 2020
Although Essex has moved to the High COVID alert level, you can still enjoy loads of fun, covid-safe things to do this autumn at Firstsite!
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