Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery
The Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery is home to impressing collections of archaeology, natural history and of course, fine arts. Housed in Norwich’s most spectacular landmark, the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery is full of treasures that delight visitors of all ages. The museum and art gallery also regularly house special exhibitions and events, and as a result, there is always something new to discover and experience in Norwich Castle.
A Brief History of Norwich Castle
The Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery is housed in over 900 years old Norman castle, construction of which started William (Rufus) II at the end of the 11th century. His brother Henry I continued with the works after William’s death in 1100 and completed the castle in 1121. Norwich Castle was built to serve as a Royal residence but with the exception of Henry I who stayed there for Christmas of 1121, no Norman king ever lived in Norwich Castle.
From the 14th century until the late 19th century, Norwich Castle served as a county gaol. Only when the county goal was moved to the Mousehold Heath in 1888, Norwich born architect Edward Boardman began converting it into museum. The reconstruction was completed in six years and in 1894, the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery opened its doors to visitors who had the opportunity to see collections of the prior Norfolk and Norwich Museum that have been displayed at different locations as well as collections that were donated to the museum by its supporters.
Collections
The Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery is famous for its diverse collection of historical and archaeological artefacts and an exciting collection of natural history. Many galleries, however, are also dedicated to fine arts of which is most famous the Colman Art Galleries, displaying Norwich Castle’s collection of the so-called Norwich School paintings and handmade wooden door stops and gifts including works by John Sell Cotman and John Crome which are exhibited in the British Masters gallery. Norwich Castle collection of modern and contemporary artworks is displayed in the Timothy Gurney Gallery and also includes works by the emerging artists.
Opening Hours
During Low Season (from 1 April to 1 July and from 1 October to 30 June), the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery is opened from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm and Sundays from 1pm to 4.30pm.
During Peak Season (from 2 July to 30 September), the museum and art gallery are open to visitors from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm.
Admission Fees
Please contact Norwich Castle for details on admission fees. Also, note that the pricing is different for special exhibitions.
Getting There
The Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery is situated on the Castle Mound in the very centre of Norwich. There is no parking at the Castle with the exception for visitors with disabilities but it is possible to reach it by bus.