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Visit our exhibitions and events, enjoy our Sculpture Park and discover our range of events.

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Why Do We Take Drugs?

Through a six-month season of interlinked exhibitions and programmes, the Sainsbury Centre explores the question Why Do We Take Drugs? From alcohol and caffeine to ayahuasca and heroin, this season uses art to take visitors on a journey of investigation, inviting audiences to explore the world of global drug cultures from illegal to familiar across one mind-blowing museum landscape.

14 September- 27 April 2025

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Lindsey Mendick: Hot Mess

Celebrated artist Lindsey Mendick has created new ceramic works for the Sainsbury Centre to explore her thoughts on Why Do We Take Drugs?.

23 November- 27 April 2025

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Heroin Falls

Heroin Falls unflinchingly reveals heroin dependency as seen through the eyes of two remarkable photographers. The exhibition aims to show how substance use and dependency is a global challenge that transcends race, location and class.

23 November- 27 April 2025

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Ivan Morison: Towards the Weird Heart of Things

The Sainsbury Centre, in collaboration with Orleans House Gallery, presents Towards the Weird Heart of Things, a new site-specific series of sculptures by artist Ivan Morison in response to the curatorial provocation, Why Do We Take Drugs?

21 October- 28 February 2025

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Enjoy February Half Term at the Sainsbury Centre

Visit the Sainsbury Centre this Half Term for fun activities and artistic inspiration for all the family.

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VISIT

Discover how to make the most of your visit to the Sainsbury Centre, from booking tickets to exploring the galleries.

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Getting Here

Everything you need to know about travel, tickets, and more.

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Plan your visit

Must-see objects from the collection, suggestions for self-guided visits and our immersive audio experience.

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Students

Discover great art on your campus!

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Channel

Immerse yourself in our content hub, exploring the life stories of our living collection.

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Sainsbury Centre announces new board members

Leading figures from TV, big tech, animation, and brewing bring their diverse skills & experience to the Sainsbury Centre.

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Reflections: A Young Associates pop-up exhibition

In December 2024, the Sainsbury Centre Young Associates presented Reflections, a two-day pop-up exhibition in the Education Studio.

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‘This allowed them to escape’: Children react in awe as world-class art visits their classroom

On Wednesday, 27 November 2024, the Sainsbury Centre took Hybrid Mask (Baule/Yaure), by Yinka Shonibare CBE RA out of the museum on a visit to Nelson Academy in Downham Market.

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Graham MacIndoe & Lindokuhle Sobekwa on Heroin Falls

Incredible photographers, Graham MacIndoe and Lindokuhle Sobekwa, reveal the realities of drug dependency in our show, Heroin Falls.

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Dear Art

Since our relaunch in 2023, visitors can choose from a range of digital, analogue and experiential pathways to build new relationships with art in the museum.

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LEARN

Explore art through our dynamic programme of events and free resources for all ages.

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Families & Young People

Learn, create and discover in our engaging events for families and young people.

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Mini Studio. Photo by Katem Wolstenholme.

Community

Find out how we work with schools, colleges and our local community.

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Online Studio

Look, make and share with our Associate Artists. Free creative activities for all ages.

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JOIN & SUPPORT

The Sainsbury Centre wouldn’t exist without the generosity of others.

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Become a Member

Includes free entry to special exhibitions, exclusive preview events, discounts and more.

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Donate

The Sainsbury Centre is a charity and relies on the generosity of others to enable world-class art remains accessible to all. Donate today and help the Sainsbury Centre to amplify voices, spark dialogue, and drive social impact

MAKE A DONATION

A tour of the Living Area. Photo by Kate Wolstenholme.

Other ways to support

From the gift of Sir Robert and Lisa Sainsbury in 1973 to the current day, we owe huge gratitude to a wide range of trusts, foundations, individuals, members and volunteers who support and enable our programmes and activities. Find out how you can make a difference.

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