firstsite’s new home reinvents 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 worldwide competition entry of over 100 submissions, the crescent-shaped building clad with a unique golden alloy presents a creative space and a landmark destination.
firstsite’s New Building by Rafael Vinoly
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 lies in the heart of historic Colchester. 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 houses firstsite’s vibrant programme of changing exhibitions, workshops, lectures and community events. Admission is free.
At 3,200 square metres, firstsite’s new home ranks among the largest contemporary art venues in the UK.
The building includes
Flexible presentation spaces for exhibitions of contemporary visual arts
Daytime café/evening restaurant with terrace overlooking a new public park
Shop selling gifts and souvenirs
Purpose-built learning studios for workshops, school groups, and community activity
190-seat auditorium with full conference facilities
Meeting areas and meeting rooms for hire
firstsite is a contemporary visual arts organisation based in Colchester with a mission to make contemporary art relevant to everyone.
firstsite
High Street
Colchester
Essex CO1 1UE
Telephone +44 (0)1206 577067
Fax +44 (0)1206 577161
www.firstsite.uk.net
