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All 84 Norwich Attractions »

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, England
01603 593199
Ranked #2 of 72 attractions in Norwich
4.5 of 5 stars 25 Reviews
Type: Art Museums
Owner description: The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is an inspirational public art museum where you can see outstanding art for free. The Centre, which opened in...... more » Owner description: The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is an inspirational public art museum where you can see outstanding art for free. The Centre, which opened in 1978 to house the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection, is a world-class building designed by Norman Foster, at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. « less
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25 reviews from our community

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Cambridge
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2012

An interesting architectural experience as well as interesting exhibits and its free. On the ground floor are many African, South American and Asian artefacts as well as modern art. The building currently has an Art Nouveau exhibition on the first floor. There is free car parking in the parking area opposite the entrance to the building. You need to drive... More

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See 2 more reviews by Fit52 for Norwich
Norwich
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2012

The Sainsbury Centre is tucked away on the campus of UEA, it's hard to describe how to even get there once you know how to but it is worth making the effort. The building was designed by architect Norman Foster and was his 'big break' when Sir Robert and Lisa Sainsbury gave a young upstart architect a chance to take... More

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See 8 more reviews by mariocatlin for Norwich
leicester, england
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2012

The Sainsbury Centre is within the University of East Anglia campus. You can drive up to it - though the carpark is poorly signposted. Keep driving to the building (ignoring signs to carparks en route) and there is a free carpark opposite - you can get a pass to put in your car from the gallery). The buiding is stunning... More

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See 4 more reviews by r0man53 for Norwich
London, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2012

It is simple - but with some amazing artefacts. The art-deco exhibition was well worth the visit alone. More

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See 2 more reviews by BookMeAFlight for Norwich
wimbledon
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

Reached by buses from the foot of Norwich Castle, this modern art gallery is in the grounds of the University of East Anglia (UEA) and houses the collections of Sir Robert and Lady Sainsbury. To our surprise there are very few paintings in the collection (although there are several by Francis Bacon). Instead the collection consists of ethnographical objects from... More

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See 8 more reviews by Latchford21 for Norwich
Norwich, UK
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

This is a wonderful collection of art from around the world in a fabulous building. There is the permanent collection donated by the Sainsbury family and interesting temporary exhibitions. Lots to see and not just for art lovers - just a pity that it is not better marketed! More

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Norwich
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2012

It is a wonderful place, it has good exibitions and a permanent part that fabulous, the permanent part is free to visit. You can just walk in, browse all the pieces of the exposition, it's all very open and "not stuffy". I was very surpised to see so many famous pieces being so accessible. I guess it's a great place... More

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See 7 more reviews by stefafra for Norwich
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2012

They always have world class exhibitions and the building is large and airy More

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See 3 more reviews by katy c for Norwich
Hastings, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2012

Well worth the trip out of the city to visit this gallery (and see the university which is really interesting from a planning viewpoint). Apart from the special exhibitions, the permanent one mixes ethnographic and historical objects with modern art. The exhibits are well laid out and there is plenty of room to see them from all sides. There was... More

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See 4 more reviews by 49JMD for Norwich
Norwich, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012

We went here for the 1st time this year and will be going back. The parking was free. Really close to the centre not in the big car parks You have to go in the centre and ask for a permit and they will issue you one to display in your car. This could change always check first. We saw... More

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