
Attenborough Arts Centre
A vibrant cultural hub featuring diverse art exhibitions, performances, and creative classes in Leicester.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

Attenborough Arts Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant cultural hub featuring diverse art exhibitions, performances, and creative classes in Leicester.
"Always thought provoking, never disappointing, love the Attenborough Arts Centre!"

🎯 Check Website for Exhibitions
Displays change frequently; confirm what's on before you go. Some may require tickets. :ticket:
🎟️ Book Performance Tickets
Theatre, comedy, and music events need advance booking. Don't miss out! :ticket:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tim Fowler's 'The Ground' Exhibition
Main Gallery
Immersive and stunning large-scale paintings that captivate viewers. A must-see for art lovers.

Attenborough Tower
Exterior
An iconic Brutalist building, often described as 'most iconic' in Leicester. Perfect for striking photos.

Creative Classes
Studios
Engage in a variety of art classes, from one-off lessons to full courses, for a hands-on experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Exhibition Schedules
Book Performance Tickets Early
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Website for Exhibitions
Displays change frequently; confirm what's on before you go. Some may require tickets. :ticket:
🎟️ Book Performance Tickets
Theatre, comedy, and music events need advance booking. Don't miss out! :ticket:
🎨 Explore Creative Classes
Consider an art class for a fuller, hands-on experience. :art:
📸 Iconic Tower Views
The Attenborough Tower is a photo-worthy Brutalist landmark. :camerawithflash:
Thinking of moving (back) to Leicester, but worried I won't have much of a social group up there. Any ideas for how I can make new friends in Leicester?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Website for Exhibitions
Displays change frequently; confirm what's on before you go. Some may require tickets. :ticket:
🎟️ Book Performance Tickets
Theatre, comedy, and music events need advance booking. Don't miss out! :ticket:
🎨 Explore Creative Classes
Consider an art class for a fuller, hands-on experience. :art:
📸 Iconic Tower Views
The Attenborough Tower is a photo-worthy Brutalist landmark. :camerawithflash:
☕ Relax at the Cafe
Enjoy the cafe for a break and to discuss the art. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Attenborough Arts Centre for its thought-provoking exhibitions and diverse programming, including art, performance, and creative classes. The friendly staff and on-site cafe add to the welcoming atmosphere. Some visitors note that certain interactive exhibitions or performances may require advance booking or tickets.
"A brilliant place to visit, escape the hustle and bustle. I loved the Tim Fowler exhibition, stunning images. Looking forward to visiting again soon."
Keranjit Kaur
"A fantastic show of new artwork by Tim Fowler. The work is spread across two galleries and the scale of the pieces in the main gallery is very immersive. Highly recommend."
EFlatMajor7
"A great space for art, performance and learning, plus a great cafe to meet and talk about it all."
Chris Conway
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Attenborough Arts Centre is located within the University of Leicester campus. It's accessible by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, check for parking availability on campus.
Yes, it's a prominent building on the University of Leicester campus. Look for the distinctive Attenborough Tower, which is a landmark.
Leicester Train Station is the main rail hub. Numerous bus services operate from the city centre to the university area, making it easily reachable.
Parking availability can vary, especially during term time. It's advisable to check the University of Leicester's parking information or consider public transport.
Yes, cycling is a great option. The university campus has cycle paths and racks available for secure bike parking. :bike:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the galleries is generally free, but some special exhibitions or interactive displays may require a ticket. Performance events like theatre and music are ticketed.
While many exhibitions are free, it's always best to check the Attenborough Arts Centre website. Some interactive shows might have a ticket requirement.
Ticket prices for theatre, comedy, and music events vary depending on the performance. It's recommended to check the specific event listing on their website for pricing.
For performance events, it's advisable to book in advance as popular shows can sell out. For exhibitions with a ticket requirement, check if on-the-door sales are available.
Opening hours can vary, especially for exhibitions. Always consult the official Attenborough Arts Centre website for the most up-to-date information on gallery and venue hours.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
The centre hosts a diverse range of exhibitions, often featuring contemporary art, painting, and photography. Exhibitions change frequently, offering something new with each visit.
Yes, Attenborough Arts Centre sometimes features interactive exhibitions that require a ticket. Check the website to see if any are currently running.
Besides galleries, there are performance spaces, studios for creative classes, and a cafe. It's a multi-use venue for art, performance, and learning.
While not explicitly a children's museum, families can enjoy the exhibitions. Some displays might be more engaging for older children.
Yes, the centre encourages creativity. You can often find spaces to sit and sketch, especially in the galleries.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site, which is a great spot to relax, grab a coffee, and discuss the art you've seen.
The cafe typically offers a selection of drinks, snacks, and light meals. It's a convenient place to refuel during your visit.
Being part of the University of Leicester campus, there are other food outlets and cafes within walking distance. The city centre also offers a wide range of restaurants.
Generally, bringing outside food into galleries and performance spaces is discouraged. It's best to enjoy your meals at the designated cafe area.
The cafe is a good space for informal meetings and discussions, as mentioned by visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary per exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is allowed, but always check for specific signage or ask staff.
No, flash photography is almost always prohibited in art galleries to protect the artwork.
The Attenborough Tower is an external landmark, and you're welcome to take photos of it. It's a popular spot for its Brutalist architecture.
The main gallery with large-scale works like Tim Fowler's exhibition can be very photogenic. The exterior of the Attenborough Tower is also a key photo opportunity.
Tripods and professional photography equipment usually require special permission. For personal visits, stick to handheld shots without flash.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more interactive experience, inquire about any family-friendly workshops or events that might be scheduled. The opportunity to see art being created or even participate in a class could be a highlight for curious young minds.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Beyond the galleries, consider enrolling in one of the creative classes to deepen your artistic engagement. The on-site cafe is also perfect for discussing art and reflecting on your discoveries. Remember to check the website for the latest exhibition schedules and any ticketing information for special shows.
🎭 Theatre & Performance Goers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Art Exhibitions
Beyond painting, expect to see a variety of mediums, including photography, sculpture, and mixed-media installations. The centre often highlights emerging and established artists, providing a platform for diverse artistic voices. This commitment to a varied program ensures that each visit can offer a fresh perspective and a new discovery for art enthusiasts.
For those looking to deepen their engagement, the centre also offers creative classes. These range from one-off workshops to more comprehensive courses, providing an opportunity to learn new skills and connect with the local art community. It's a fantastic way to complement your gallery visit and get hands-on with artistic creation.
The Iconic Attenborough Tower
While the tower itself is primarily an architectural element of the university, its visual prominence means it's often associated with the Attenborough Arts Centre, which is located nearby. Visitors often capture its unique form from various angles, appreciating its bold aesthetic. If you're interested in architecture or looking for a unique photo opportunity, the Attenborough Tower is a must-see on campus.
Its presence adds a layer of visual interest to the area, and it serves as a recognizable point of reference for navigating the university grounds. The 'cheese grater' nickname, mentioned by students, hints at its textured and geometric facade, making it a memorable structure.
Performance and Creative Events
For those who prefer to be hands-on, the centre offers an excellent range of creative classes. These classes cater to various skill levels and interests, from introductory workshops to more in-depth courses. Participating in these classes provides a unique opportunity to engage with art and performance in a practical way, often led by experienced instructors.
This blend of exhibition, performance, and education makes Attenborough Arts Centre a comprehensive cultural destination. Whether you're looking to be inspired by art, entertained by a show, or learn a new creative skill, the centre offers a rich and varied experience.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit