Please note we will be closing at 4.30pm today for a private event.

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

Power Plants: Intoxicants, Stimulants and Narcotics

For millennia people have used the psychoactive properties of plants as an integral part of social, ceremonial and religious life. The show will reference global artefacts that are connected with the traditional consumption of tobacco and snuff, betel nut, kava, tea and palm wine, alongside an exploration of the sacred, hallucinogenic cactus, peyote.

14 September- 2 February 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

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

VISIT

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

Stock_26.01.2024_Photo.-Kate-Wolstenholme_16-2

Getting here

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

FIND OUT MORE

191_why_do_we_take_drugs_LOW-RES_13.09.24-photo-by-kat-mager

Plan your visit

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

FIND OUT MORE

Usagi Kannon, L.240, 2012–2020, Leiko Ikemura. Courtesy the artist. Photo by Kate Wolstenholme.

Autumn at the Sainsbury Centre

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

FIND OUT MORE

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.

Zoila Maynas Soto & Delicia Milka Franco Ahuanari/Metza Kabi: Muralistas

Artists Zoila Maynas Soto & Delicia Milka Franco Ahuanari/Metza Kabi of the Colectivo Shipibas Muralistas (Shipibas Muralists Collective) discuss the process of creating their stunning mural in our exhibition, Ayahuasca & Art of the Amazon, part of our Why Do We Take Drugs? season.

Ivan Morison on his residency Towards the Weird Heart of Things

Ivan Morison introduces his new four-meter-high, site-specific sculptures, constructed from abundant East Anglian agricultural organic materials including hemp, present nature as a vital drug for human health and well-being.

Artist Talk: Yuki Kihara and Karen Jacobs

Artist Yuki Kihara was recently in conversation with Karen Jacobs, Associate Professor in the Sainsbury Research Unit. Their talk covered Paradise Camp and its ongoing development, exploring the artist’s intersectional themes such as gender, museum collections, climate change and colonisation.

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.

176_why_do_we_take_drugs_LOW-RES_13.09.24-3

Families & Young People

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

FIND OUT MORE

Mini-Studio_March_2024_Photo.-Kate-Wolstenholme_10-2

Community

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

FIND OUT MORE

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.

190_why_do_we_take_drugs_LOW-RES_13.09.24-photo-by-kat-mager-2

Become a Member

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

FIND OUT MORE

Magdalene Odundo Private View. Photo: Andi Sapey

Exhibition Circle

Enjoy exclusive curator-led tours, visits to artists’ studios and engage with others with a passion for art.

FIND OUT MORE

Corporate Support

Support the social impact of our programmes alongside one-of-a-kind team building opportunities.

FIND OUT MORE