Firstsite

General information

Designed by award-winning architect Rafael Viñoly and selected from a worldwide competition with more than 100 submissions, the crescent-shaped building clad with a unique golden alloy will be a landmark destination for the town.

Inspired by Colchester’s Roman heritage, Viñoly’s bold design is more than a traditional art gallery; its unusual curved form hugs the parkland landscape, while its unique engineering preserves the Roman treasures that may lie beneath.

Firstsite's spectacular building, in the heart of historic Colchester attracts visitors from all over the UK, drawn to a venue where they can enjoy an artistic, cultural, retail, eating and social space like no other.

The building hosts Firstsite’s vibrant programme of changing exhibitions, workshops, lectures and community events.

Admission is free.

At 3,200 square metres, Firstsite ranks among the largest contemporary art venues in the UK.

The building includes:

* Flexible presentation spaces for exhibitions of contemporary visual art

* Daytime café with terrace overlooking a new public park

* Shop selling gifts and souvenirs

* Artists’ spaces for project work and artists-in-residence

* Purpose-built learning studios for workshops, school groups, community activity

* 200-seat auditorium with full conference facilities

* Meeting areas and a range of meeting rooms for hire