Creative Galleries
Be inspired by Nottingham’s creative past
Discover the Castle’s world-class collections of fine and decorative arts on display in our Creative Galleries.
From medieval alabaster to contemporary photography, Nottingham lace to stunning ceramics and salt-glazed pottery to amazing oil painting, there’s a treasure for every art lover on display.
“I loved the Galleries, which were really stunning. I particularly liked that each Gallery had its own feel and mix of interpretation, appropriate for the individual objects and stories that were being told”
Explore Nottingham’s alabaster and salt-glaze heritage
Early Nottingham Craft
In the Early Nottingham Craft Gallery, we reveal Nottingham’s handmade history, which achieved international success. Discover the exceptional medieval alabaster sculptures and design your own digital masterpiece on the gallery interactives. Learn how Nottingham’s potters excelled in making salt-glazed stoneware through a dramatic firing process and make your own virtual pot.
Our friends at Nottingham Trent University recently did some research on the Flawford Virgin, which features in this gallery. Learn more about this fascinating sculpture here.
Leaders in the lace race
Nottingham Lace
Nottingham changed the way lace is made. The first ever machine to make lace was invented here. Thanks to the innovation of local designers and makers, Nottingham was the world centre of the machine-made lace trade throughout the 19th century. This gallery is a rare chance to see highlights from our outstanding ‘Designated’ collection and to explore stories about the industry, its workers and how it shaped Nottingham’s landscape. Walk our ‘catwalk’ of a hundred years of lace fashions and don’t forget to take a selfie under our lace projection…
From a mansion to a modern museum
Collections
Step into the story of how there came to be a gallery and museum at Nottingham Castle in 1878, after the dramatic burning of the Castle in 1831. Nottingham led the way in a national movement to create regional, publicly owned Museums. Discover our Castle’s journey from a Medieval bastion of the elite to a public space celebrating Nottingham’s communities and their creativity.
Our home of artistic inspiration
The Art Gallery
The majestic splendour of our Art Gallery is matched only by the superb art it showcases. We invite you to relax in this beautiful space and be inspired by the collection of paintings, drawings, ceramics, jewellery and sculpture. Explore themes that have inspired artists and makers for centuries: portraits, landscapes, colour and form, nature ‘up close’, and the art of our leisure time.
“The Art Gallery was once of the best art experiences I’ve had”
The cutting edge in the creative city
The Lab
Celebrate the emerging and diverse talents of makers, academics and creatives in present-day Nottingham in The Lab. Programmed in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, displays will cover a variety of topics. From costume-making to cutting edge research, discover how a building from Nottingham’s past can actively showcase and support its creative future.
What else is there to see at Nottingham Castle?
There is plenty to see, do and enjoy at Nottingham Castle.
From medieval mischief with Robin, Marian and their merrie band to a coffee with the best views of the city from the Terrace Café. Explore our other highlights.