Museums, galleries & other venues

Colchester, CO1 1JH

A flagship contemporary art venue with a national reputation and a deep commitment to artists from the East of England.

Cambridge, CB2 1RB

One of the most complete one-stop art destinations in the East of England since you can take in its permanent collection rammed with important, centuries-spanning examples of British art, alongside ambitious and uncompromising contemporary art.

Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1NS

One of the only outposts of cutting edge contemporary art in the region.

Cambridge, CB3 0AQ

Don't miss the tour of Ede's house. It's a must-do. Besides the excellent quality of the art, it's a fascinating and intimate glimpse of an artist's life and coterie.

Snape, IP17 1SP

The world-class culture hub of Suffolk.

Norwich, NR1 3JU

Sudbury, CO10 2EU

A unique combination of artist's birthplace, historic museum, and striking contemporary gallery.

Lowestoft, NR33 0DX

One of the most important outposts of contemporary art in the East of England, 303 Projects mints groundbreaking new artists in its tiny but influential space in Lowestoft. Worth the trek!

Rendlesham, IP12 2TZ

We love this grassroots space which hosts lots of cutting edge, experimental exhibitions and events.

King's Lynn, PE31 6TY

No other stately home in the east of England combines heritage, history and tradition with contemporary art like Houghton Hall. If you loved Chatsworth and Blenheim Palace, you will also swoon for Houghton Hall. Go when one of their staggering summer sculpture exhibitions is installed on the grounds.

Great Yarmouth, NR30 2BG

We're big fans of this pioneering project which was way ahead of its time when it was founded. It's a shapeshifting kunsthalle and creative industry catalyst, curating its own shows while letting other creatives take over its spaces. It's always unexpected, heterogenous and ambitious. Most of all, it's as much about nurturing the creative community as it is about putting on public exhibitions. If anything, the former is their main raison d'être. Every lover of contemporary art should visit it at least once, because it's a beacon of creative entrepreneurship in the East of England.

Norwich, NR4 7TJ

Due to the fresh and innovative approach of Jago Cooper, Director of Sainsbury Centre, many of the museum's shows are conceptualised as explorations of important societal issues, rather than structured around an artist, genre or historical period. Rather, Cooper seeks to spark dialogue and exploration with the exhibitions rather than presenting traditional one-way museum viewing experiences. The gallery is also conspicuous in its commitment to environmental art, with many exhibitions and artworks dedicated to this category of art.

Colchester, CO1 1UE

One of the best curated and most variegated galleries in the East of England, the Minories' shows featuring regional artists are among the best of their kind. (Almost exclusively reliant on private funding and philanthropy, the gallery is also a venue for hire. While we cannot vouch for those third party shows, the Minories' own exhibitions are carefully and thoughtfully curated and we recommend them highly.)

Saffron Walden, CB10 1BD

Because the gallery operates on a shoestring and is entirely volunteer-run and staffed, its opening days are limited by weather. However, its shows, when open, are well-curated and well worth a visit if you're in Essex.

Dedham, CO7 6AZ

Munnings' equine and equestrian paintings are celebrated. But the real treat is seeing all the equally masterful non-horse paintings. The picturesque setting and scenic tea room make for a very nice outing when the weather is fine.

Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6EX

The building has a heterogenous, sometimes chaotic, feel, so go when there is a very good temporary exhibition on. Luckily, there are many of those.

Colchester, CO4 5HH

Ipswich, IP4 2BE

Its interior is careworn and bordering on shabby, but Christchurch Mansion contains some important artworks by Gainsborough and Constable. Thus, it's definitely worth visiting at least once. Unfortunately, since its marketing is managed by Ipswich Council, rather than directly, its temporary exhibitions get virtually no airplay or attention. We're not afraid to say it: this is an art institution which needs more funding and support. After all, it's the flagship art institution for Suffolk County's capital city.

Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1DX

It feels a bit fusty and dungeon-like at first. But this museum contains some wonderful historical objects and some very good 17th century artworks from artists such as Mary Beale and Peter Lely.

Norwich, NR3 1HE

Eye, IP23 7AN

Cambridge, CB3 0DF

King's Lynn, PE30 1LY

One of the best and most dynamic galleries in the Eastern region, C&C's aesthetic range is broad -- yet each member in their stable of artists is a leader in their respective genre or practice.

King's Lynn, PE30 1NL

A pioneer not just in the East of England but nationwide, Groundwork Gallery was the first commercial art gallery in the UK exclusively dedicated to environmental art. Founder, Veronica Sekules, produces groundbreaking shows themed around an environmental subject and, to buttress those exhibitions, convenes symposia and talks by experts further illuminating the issues raised and explored by the artworks.

Manningtree, CO11 1AS

Stringently curated and beautifully presented, North House Gallery is undoubtedly one of the top art galleries in the East of England and always worth a visit.

Erpingham, NR11 7LY

Holt, NR25 6HS

Fingringhoe, CO5 7DN

Saxmundham, IP17 1JJ

Hemingford Grey, PE28 9DF

Holt, NR25 6BW

Sudbury, CO10 2EU

Fen Ditton, CB5 8ST

Woodbridge, IP12 1DH

Sudbury, CO10 0GW

Holt, NR25 6HS

Orford, IP12 2NU