SEE

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

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

Universal Ticket

Ayahuasca & Art of the Amazon

This exhibition considers the impact of the mind-altering, psychotropic vine – ayahuasca – within Western Amazonian social life. It explores how the ritual consumption of ayahuasca is linked to their artistic production.

14 September- 2 February 2025

Universal Ticket

SoundEscapes

Meet art like never before. SoundEscapes is a new project connecting art and music and is set to help bring our collection to life.

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

Universal Ticket

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

Universal Ticket

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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Winter at the Sainsbury Centre

Unwind and explore at the Sainsbury Centre! We have something for everyone.

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Please note that lift access to the Heroin Falls exhibition on the Mezzanine Gallery is currently unavailable.

We are making accessibility improvements to the lifts to ensure a better experience for all visitors and works will be completed shortly. We are very sorry for the current inaccessibility this causes.

Channel

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

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.

Divine Southgate-Smith on Power Plants

"I really feel as though this space gives you that childlike curiosity, where you feel that you [...] physically feel the presence of these objects.That's what I really like about being here."

‘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.

Mike Jay on ‘Why Do We Take Drugs?’

Author, historian, curator and expert on the cultural history of science and medicine, Mike Jay talks to us amidst our current season exploring 'Why Do We Take Drugs?'.

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.

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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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.

EXPLORE

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

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Other ways to support

From the gift of Lord and Lady Sainsbury in 1978 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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