Sainsbury Centre

The Sainsbury Centre is an art museum at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, housed in a striking metal framework with continuous glass panels. The galleries spread across one long open hall where daylight illuminates objects from ceiling to floor.

Robert and Lisa Sainsbury handed their private collection to the university in 1973, prompting the construction of this dedicated building. Norman Foster designed the hall in the late 1970s as one of the earliest examples of his technology-focused architecture in Britain.

The building takes its name from the donors and reflects their vision of bringing art from all continents into one space. Visitors see African masks beside European paintings and Asian sculptures, sparking conversations about form and meaning across borders.

The museum opens Tuesday through Friday from 10 to 18 and weekends from 10 to 17, with free admission to permanent displays. The route to the university crosses the campus, with signs guiding the way to the center from the main entrance.

Below the main hall lies a hidden area with additional galleries that many visitors overlook. These lower rooms house rotating exhibitions and offer a more intimate experience away from the large hall.

Location: Norwich

Inception: 1978

Architects: Foster and Partners, Wendy Cheesman

Architectural style: high-tech architecture

Part of: University of East Anglia

Address: University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00-18:00; Saturday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Phone: +441603593199

Website: https://sainsburycentre.ac.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.62030,1.23470

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:31