firstsite’s new home will re-invent the traditional art gallery as an innovative cultural and social space with contemporary art at its heart.

Designed by award-winning architect Rafael Viñoly and selected from a world-wide competition entry of over 100 submissions, the crescent-shaped building clad with a unique golden alloy presents a creative space and a landmark destination.

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 whilst its unique engineering preserves the Roman treasures which may lie beneath.

Our iconic contemporary art building is being constructed in the heart of historic Colchester. When completed, it aims to attract 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 will house firstsite’s vibrant programme of changing exhibitions, workshops, lectures and community events. Admission will be free.

At 3,200 square metres, firstsite’s new home will rank among the largest contemporary art venues in the UK.

The building will include:

• Flexible presentation spaces for exhibitions of contemporary visual arts
• Daytime café/evening restaurant with terrace overlooking a new public park
• Retail shop selling local art work and craft, books, toys and publications
• 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

 

Support the new building!
Join those who are already Supporting firstsite and find out more about our future home.

To discover how you can make a donation to firstsite go to our Support us page.