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Attenborough Arts Centre

4.5
·399 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Our building in the Spring

Attenborough Arts Centre

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(399 reviews)

"Always thought provoking, never disappointing, love the Attenborough Arts Centre!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tim Fowler's 'The Ground' Exhibition

Tim Fowler's 'The Ground' Exhibition

Main Gallery

Immersive and stunning large-scale paintings that captivate viewers. A must-see for art lovers.

TikTok+1
Attenborough Tower

Attenborough Tower

Exterior

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

TikTok
Creative Classes

Creative Classes

Studios

Engage in a variety of art classes, from one-off lessons to full courses, for a hands-on experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Check Exhibition Schedules

Attenborough Arts Centre hosts rotating exhibitions, often featuring local artists. Always check their website for current shows and any associated ticket requirements before your visit to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Book Performance Tickets Early

For theatre, comedy, and music events, booking tickets in advance is essential. Popular shows can sell out, so plan ahead to secure your spot for these special performances. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
During Exhibition Openings
Why
Experience new art with buzz
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Last month to see my solo exhibition 'The Ground' at Attenborough Arts Centre #artistsoftiktok #painting #exhibition #fyp #gallery
@timjfowler
412 likes • 7.4K views

🎯 Check Website for Exhibitions

Displays change frequently; confirm what's on before you go. Some may require tickets. Reddit :ticket:

🎟️ Book Performance Tickets

Theatre, comedy, and music events need advance booking. Don't miss out! Reddit :ticket:

My wife and daughter enjoying my current exhibition 'The Ground' at Attenborough Arts Centre in Leicester, UK. #gallery #exhibition #artistsoftiktok #painting
@timjfowler
404 likes • 9.3K views
Students, get ready to have your camera roll dominated by our Attenborough Tower. 📸 It’s giving “Most iconic building in #Leicester” Perfection 😘👌 #AttenboroughTower #Perfection #Brutalist #Leicester #CheeseGrater #UniOfLeicester #LeicesterUni #Iconic #Slay #Mother
@uniofleicester
163 likes • 12.8K views

🎨 Explore Creative Classes

Consider an art class for a fuller, hands-on experience. Reddit :art:

📸 Iconic Tower Views

The Attenborough Tower is a photo-worthy Brutalist landmark. TikTok :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

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. Reddit :ticket:

🎟️ Book Performance Tickets

Theatre, comedy, and music events need advance booking. Don't miss out! Reddit :ticket:

🎨 Explore Creative Classes

Consider an art class for a fuller, hands-on experience. Reddit :art:

📸 Iconic Tower Views

The Attenborough Tower is a photo-worthy Brutalist landmark. TikTok :camerawithflash:

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy the cafe for a break and to discuss the art. Reddit :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(399 reviews)

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

Thought-provoking exhibitions
Diverse art and performance
Friendly staff and cafe

What People Dislike

Ticketed events require booking

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. TikTok

Yes, it's a prominent building on the University of Leicester campus. Look for the distinctive Attenborough Tower, which is a landmark. TikTok

Leicester Train Station is the main rail hub. Numerous bus services operate from the city centre to the university area, making it easily reachable. Reddit

Parking availability can vary, especially during term time. It's advisable to check the University of Leicester's parking information or consider public transport. Reddit

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. Reddit

While many exhibitions are free, it's always best to check the Attenborough Arts Centre website. Some interactive shows might have a ticket requirement. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎨 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. TikTok+1

Yes, Attenborough Arts Centre sometimes features interactive exhibitions that require a ticket. Check the website to see if any are currently running. Reddit

Besides galleries, there are performance spaces, studios for creative classes, and a cafe. It's a multi-use venue for art, performance, and learning. Reddit

While not explicitly a children's museum, families can enjoy the exhibitions. Some displays might be more engaging for older children. TikTok

Yes, the centre encourages creativity. You can often find spaces to sit and sketch, especially in the galleries. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ 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. Reddit

The cafe typically offers a selection of drinks, snacks, and light meals. It's a convenient place to refuel during your visit. Reddit

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. Reddit

Generally, bringing outside food into galleries and performance spaces is discouraged. It's best to enjoy your meals at the designated cafe area. Reddit

The cafe is a good space for informal meetings and discussions, as mentioned by visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

No, flash photography is almost always prohibited in art galleries to protect the artwork. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

Tripods and professional photography equipment usually require special permission. For personal visits, stick to handheld shots without flash. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Attenborough Arts Centre isn't a dedicated children's museum, families can still enjoy a visit. The exhibitions, like Tim Fowler's immersive paintings, can be visually engaging for children, especially older ones. TikTok The centre's cafe provides a relaxed space for breaks, and the general atmosphere is welcoming. Reddit Consider checking the exhibition details beforehand to gauge suitability for younger visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

Attenborough Arts Centre is a must-visit for art lovers, offering a consistently engaging program of contemporary exhibitions. The chance to see large-scale, immersive works like those by Tim Fowler is a significant draw. TikTok+1 The centre's commitment to showcasing diverse artists and mediums ensures a fresh experience with each visit. Reddit

Beyond the galleries, consider enrolling in one of the creative classes to deepen your artistic engagement. Reddit The on-site cafe is also perfect for discussing art and reflecting on your discoveries. Reddit Remember to check the website for the latest exhibition schedules and any ticketing information for special shows. Reddit

🎭 Theatre & Performance Goers

For those seeking live entertainment, Attenborough Arts Centre's 120-seat performance space is a key attraction. It hosts a variety of theatre, comedy, and music events. Reddit It's crucial to book tickets in advance, as popular performances can sell out quickly. Reddit Check the venue's schedule regularly to discover upcoming shows and secure your preferred dates. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Art Exhibitions

Attenborough Arts Centre is renowned for its dynamic exhibition program, consistently showcasing thought-provoking contemporary art. Visitors have praised exhibitions like Tim Fowler's 'The Ground' for their immersive scale and stunning visual impact. TikTok+1 The gallery spaces are designed to complement the artwork, allowing for an intimate viewing experience. Displays change regularly, so checking the official website before your visit is crucial to see what's currently on show and if any special ticketing is required. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit It's a fantastic way to complement your gallery visit and get hands-on with artistic creation.

The Iconic Attenborough Tower

A striking feature of the University of Leicester campus, the Attenborough Tower is a significant piece of Brutalist architecture. It's frequently highlighted by visitors and students alike as an iconic landmark within Leicester. TikTok Its distinctive design, with multiple facets and a commanding presence, makes it a popular subject for photography. TikTok

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. TikTok If you're interested in architecture or looking for a unique photo opportunity, the Attenborough Tower is a must-see on campus. TikTok

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. TikTok

Performance and Creative Events

Attenborough Arts Centre is more than just an art gallery; it's a vibrant hub for performance and creative learning. The 120-seat performance area hosts a diverse programme of theatre, comedy, and music events. Reddit These events are popular and often require advance booking, so it's wise to check the schedule and secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Reddit

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. Reddit Participating in these classes provides a unique opportunity to engage with art and performance in a practical way, often led by experienced instructors. Reddit

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. Reddit

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