Art and culture
Nottingham is a city built on culture. It's a creative hub for big thinkers, and the spaces that drive them. Here, galleries break all the rules, cinemas are independent and music is loud.
Streets dripping in art will inspire you to find your passion – from Anish Kapoor’s stunning Sky Mirror, to funky murals and the bold architecture that frames the Lace Market. What part will you play in Nottingham's rich history?
Art and galleries
Student-led art collectives and exhibitions keep this city's local art scene fresh, while our art galleries host huge international names like David Hockney, Mark Leckey and Huang Yong Ping.
Be inspired by Nottingham Contemporary, one of the UK’s biggest modern art spaces, explore diverse cultural art at New Art Exchange, discover emerging Nottingham artists at the independent Backlit gallery, or visit the Bonington Gallery – NTU’s own exhibition space and one of the oldest art galleries in Nottingham.
Iconic gig venues
Music is the beating heart of Nottingham. With huge local festivals and a booming venue around every corner, emerging artists and musicians thrive here.
Immerse yourself in an energetic crowd at live music venues like Rock City, Bodega, and The Motorpoint Arena, or relax in cosy jazz bars like The Pelican Club. Metronome is our own world-class music and events complex in the centre of Nottingham.
Festivals on your doorstep
Splendour Festival is Nottinghamshire’s biggest festival. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, attendees can enjoy five stages of music that spans all genres; from fast-rising stars to world-class performers, and musical icons, Splendour lineups are always a wonderful mix of acts that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Nottinghamshire Pride takes place across the whole of Nottingham city centre. Take part in a march that stretches across the city and enjoy a mixture of live music and celebrations across multiple pubs and clubs.
Do To Dot music festival brings together a mixture of emerging local and global talent across the best venues in Nottingham including Rock City, Rescue Rooms, The Bodega and more.
Nottingham’s annual charity music festival, Beat The Streets brings the music community together across various venues to raise vital funds to support homeless people in need.
Like rock music? This is the place for you. Download is a five-day music festival based at Donington Park, which is just 17 miles away from Nottingham city centre.
Hockley Hustle is a celebration of local artists and musicians, all in the name of raising money for charity. This event spans across dozens of venues around the Hockley area of Nottingham with literally hundreds of acts getting involved.
Buying a wristband for this annual staple in the Notts music scene means you're contributing to the £150,000 the event has raised since it began in 2006 - plus you'll be supporting local creatives too. This is Nottingham at its finest.
Stage and screen
Movie lovers grab your popcorn – from cinema giants like Cineworld, to independents oozing with character, you'll never miss a film in Nottingham. Broadway was rated as one of the best cinemas in the world by Total Film magazine, and in 1994 it was the first cinema in the UK to show Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.
Experience the magic of stage and delve into a world of culture at our Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham Playhouse and Theatre Royal.
Written into history
This is a city with a story to tell. And we’ve got the awards to prove it – in 2015 Nottingham was named a permanent UNESCO World City of Literature, alongside Prague, Barcelona and Dublin.
We’re a city inspired by our iconic Rebel Writers – Lord Byron, DH Lawrence and Alan Sillitoe – and it shines through in our writing community today. From provocative slam poetry, to energetic workshops at Nottingham Writers’ Studio, this is where you'll find your voice.
Myths and legends
Nottingham is great for those who enjoy exploring cultural and heritage hot spots. From ancient caves to the forests roamed by the legendary Robin Hood, you’ll find a variety of historic sites to explore across the city and county.
See the remarkable ancient dungeons and contemporary exhibitions at the National Justice Museum, or explore the maze of sandstone caves and tunnels that wind beneath the city’s streets at the City of Caves.
Wollaton Hall & Deer Park is where you’ll find Wollaton Hall, which was used as the set of Wayne Manor – the home of Batman – in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Night Rises. Nottingham’s connection with the Caped Crusader doesn’t end there – Wollaton Hall is five miles north of Gotham, the village in Nottinghamshire from which Gotham City got its name.
Explore over 800 years of history at Newstead Abbey, the former home of Romantic poet Lord Byron, which is surrounded by 300 acres of green parkland.
Don't just take our word for it – explore all that Nottingham and our stunning campuses have to offer at an open day.
You might also be interested in...
Food and drink
From Michelin-starred fine dining, to something on-the-go—check out the very best places to eat in Nottingham, whatever your tastes.
Nightlife
Nottingham’s nightlife is legendary. You’ll be spoilt for choice in a city that’s stuffed with pubs, clubs, bars and live music venues.
Nottingham travel
Two hours from London, three hours from Scotland – Nottingham’s in the centre of England and very well connected to other parts of the country. Find travel advice on getting to Nottingham and getting around the city.