Must-see exhibitions in the East of England
Want to catch the must-see exhibitions in the East of England? From an immersive installation at Colchester Castle to a powerful group exhibition spotlighting important issues at Kettle's Yard in Cambridge, don't miss out on these phenomenal shows.
The East of England is rich in cultural landmarks – from the stunning Jacobean architecture of Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden, with its grounds designed by Capability Brown, to the world-renowned collections at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, home to over 500,000 works of art.
A day out here could include exploring the archaeological collections at Colchester Castle, which span 2,500 years of history, or wandering through Kettle's Yard in Cambridge, where modern art is displayed across a series of elegant rooms. And if you're looking to hone in on the very best exhibitions currently on show in the area, this is the list you've been looking for.
Read on for our guide to some of the biggest blockbuster exhibitions in the East of England open now.
Don't forget to pack your National Art Pass to get great benefits at every venue, and check out our full listings for more upcoming exhibitions.
Discover some of the best exhibitions in the East of England with an Art Pass
Here is a Gale Warning: Art, Crisis & Survival
From racialised violence to ecological breakdown, eight contemporary artists respond to specific issues of political, social and environmental upheaval from across the world, to both provide a warning and an offer of hope for a brighter future.
Elsa James: It Should Not Be Forgotten
Experience a bold exhibition by a contemporary artist who peels away the layers of Britain's colonial past and how it impacts Black people's lived experiences today. Elsa James' photography, prints and sound works create a moving and immersive experience to confront the 'national amnesia' of Britain's role in transatlantic slavery.
One Self: The Creative Life of Colin Self
Meet a modern artist with an unending creative spirit who made significant contributions to 20th-century British art. Spanning over 120 works, Colin Self's six decade career reveals an artist who often stood on the side-lines of the art world, yet remained a major player.
Mars
Journey to the alien landscape that was named after the ancient Roman god of war because of its radiating, rusty red surface. Mars is an immersive audio visual installation that allows Colchester Castle visitors to get up close to the planet and explore its desert wasteland.
Rise Up: Resistance, Revolution, Abolition
Uncover the stories of the people who fought to abolish the British slave trade and learn about the aftermath and ongoing struggles for social justice today. This exhibition spotlights the historically overlooked stories of Black Georgians and Victorians, while recognising the leaders and revolutionaries across the world who were pivotal to the anti-slavery movement.
Lindsey Mendick: Hot Mess
Ceramic works by Lindsey Mendick are placed in and around the Sainsbury Centre’s main collection display, responding to the theme of the venue’s current season, ‘Why Do We Take Drugs?’ Exploring complicated feelings about alcohol and drinking socially, the pieces are dotted around to create the sense of the aftermath of a party, and nod to the work of artists including Francis Bacon and Tracey Emin.
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