firstsite Reviews

Fantastic place. Lots to see and do. Would recommend the lunch during school holidays.

I only used/saw the cinema and cafe and thought it was really lovely! They were not short on staff members, everything was clean, airy and friendly. The cinema was a breath of fresh air.. it was super child friendly, we watched Mary More

Awesome cinema with a lovely auditorium and comfortable seats, much better value than other cinemas!

Nice and interesting place. Always have free entrance and activities

Good place to see independent films. Saw the burning today, a Korean film with subtitles.

Large open space allows for the displaying of lots of different artwork installations. Interesting current one is called Britishness, showcasing young people's views of what it means to be British today. Also a moving display by inmates, telling their experiences of prison life.

We enjoyed all the display especially the suffragette it was very interesting

Nice modern building. The cinema looked good, but numbers restricted due to Covid. Exhibits vary between laughable, hateful, boring, and good, but excellent to have the variety on show. Cafe drinks very good and a happy little atmosphere.

Attended for a work Christmas party. Loads of space in the rooms. Very modern.

Amazing building.
Interesting modern art not really my thing but will definitely visit again.

Most beautiful building I'm sure it's great for community events

Went to see the A Coven A Grove A Stand exhibition. It was haunting and beautifully sad but I just wish there had been more. Although it has given me impetus to perhaps go and do my own research to learn more

Art gallery that hosts functions and also has a little cinema too

Firstsite is an inspirational place with a quality exhibition and events programme. It also provides fantastic opportunities for the community to engage with art and artists. The staff are friendly and approachable, and are keen to answer questions about the displays. The terrace is an ideal place to enjoy the sunshine and the cafe menu. Strongly recommended!

Nice place. Will explore more outside my meeting room later

The space is pretty large and not used at its fully potential. The galleries are interesting tho'.

It's not just about the incredible space and art. Firstsite is welcoming and free, a home to everyone.

Not clearly signed - I had to look up displays online to find out details. It seems kinda pointless having the place if visitors have to look up details online.

Place itself good. Childrens activities good. My experience with the cafe was disapointing as though i would buy some coffees and cake to be told it was shut. I thought this was strange as it was only 16.15 with the gallery not closing till 17.00. My advice would be avoid the cafe at firstsite but go to a lovely cafe called sip and tuck which is only a very short walk up east hill which is what we had to do but has so much more choice.

Its a Modern Art Gallery installation with Free Admision. Pleasant and quite walk around exhibits. Lovely coffee shop at the end of museum with terrace to sit and enjoy hot drink

Inviting place, plenty of space for small gatherings

I attended the exhibition Super Black - an exhibition that asks, 'What does it mean to be black in England today?'
The video was very interesting although the sound could have been clearer.
Great work by all artists, taking me back to my childhood with ornaments, pictures and photos!
This venue has great space, colour and lighting. Also, very good coffee and a nice selection of cakes and pastries.

Have been here a few times over the last few years, first couple of times I didn't think much of it but they seem to be doing a lot more community type events now which makes much more sense with all the space they have... most recent visit was much more positive and I stayed longer than my standard 15 mins from previous visits. Facilities are very good and staff seem friendly. Not somewhere that I think people should go out of their way to visit but if you are in town then its worth stopping by while you are there.

Fantastic to have a contemporary gallery of this quality in Colchester.

I have been twice now and there does not seem to be much of a flow to the space. Also, there is very little in the way of exhibits. I feel there should be a lot more in it judging by the quality of the building.

This place is a hidden treasure in Colchester. Always something interesting going on. Whether cinema or art exhibition, or music or, well, loads and loads of other stuff, it's never dull.

Keep an eye out as things happen fast. It is becoming a major hub in the town. I don't think this was the original intention of the building but it has diversified to great effect.

Nice place... A must if you are visiting Colchester, they have always free exhibitions

Under rated gem. Worth a visit every few months as they update their art/installations quite often.

Great exhibitions in a fascinating space. The story of the Millicent Garrett Fawcett statue was worth a trip on its own.