The Sainsbury Centre: Where Art and Innovation Meet
Tucked away within the serene grounds of the University of East Anglia, the Sainsbury Centre is more than just an art museum—it’s a space where history, creativity, and innovation come together in perfect harmony. Designed by the legendary architect Norman Foster, this striking glass-and-steel structure first opened its doors in 1978, redefining what an art gallery could be. With its sweeping open-plan design and seamless integration of light and space, the centre is as much a work of art as the treasures it houses.
Founded by Sir Robert and Lady Lisa Sainsbury, whose passion for art and culture led them to amass an eclectic and deeply personal collection, spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. From ancient Egyptian figurines to 20th-century masterpieces by Picasso and Giacometti, the collection reflects a universal language of form and expression—where style and substance are intrinsically linked.
This idea—the meeting of style and substance—is what makes the Sainsbury Centre the perfect setting for our Spring/Summer 2025 campaign. Just as the collection showcases objects that are both aesthetically striking and rich with history, our campaign explores the harmony of design and purpose in fashion, interiors, and lifestyle. Every piece tells a story, shaped by the hands that created it and the lives it has touched—whether it’s a sculptural garment, a timeless homeware piece, or an artwork that transcends its era.
But the Sainsbury Centre is far from a static gallery; it is a dynamic space that constantly evolves. Its temporary exhibitions ask the Big Questions of society today, such as: What is Truth? or Why Do We Take Drugs?. The art of the Sainsbury Centre can help reframe and answer the most important questions people have in their lives. It is not a museum to only learn more about artists, cultures or movements like Francis Bacon, the Tang Dynasty or Modernism, it is a place of experience, where collections are animate, and visitors are emotionally connected.
The permanent collection features renowned artists such as Francis Bacon, Henry Moore, and Alberto Giacometti and Elizabeth Frink, as well as thought-provoking displays on global cultures and newly acquired artworks from contemporary artists such as Leilah Babirye and Yinka Shonibare.
Today, the Centre continues to push boundaries—not only in the art it exhibits but in how it engages with the world. It is a place where students, researchers, and visitors alike can explore, learn, and connect, bridging the gap between the past and the present. The ethos of Living Art invites visitors to experience a museum as never before, transforming the space into a hub of creativity, conversation, and collaboration.
Beyond its walls, the Sainsbury Centre is deeply connected to its surroundings. Set within its Sculpture Park, it offers a unique blend of art and nature, where monumental works by artists like Antony Gormley and Leiko Ikemura are framed by the ever-changing Norfolk landscape. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t just live inside museums—it’s all around us.
With its fusion of artistic heritage and contemporary expression, the Sainsbury Centre mirrors the essence of Style and Substance. It is a place that invites curiosity, celebrates heritage, and embraces the future—a setting where timeless design and meaningful storytelling come together, just as they do in Jarrolds’ vision of modern living.