Dust off your crowns! Norwich Castle’s Royal Palace opens 7 August 2025.
900 years of history, yours to discover
Standing proudly atop its historic motte, Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery is a landmark of the city’s skyline and past.
As a Royal Palace Reborn, Norwich Castle Keep has turned back the clock 900 years to 1121 when the impressive stone keep was completed by King Henry I, William the Conqueror’s son:
- Original medieval floors and rooms have been meticulously reinstated and are fully furnished, bringing alive the sights and sounds of the Keep and creating an authentic sense of what life was like for its inhabitants.
- For the first time in its 900-year history, the Keep is now the UK’s most accessible castle. It becomes The People’s Palace, with new lifts which will enable visitors to access all five floors for the first time, from the basement to rooftop battlements which boast spectacular views across Norwich.
- A spectacular Gallery of Medieval Life, created in partnership with the British Museum, will showcase nearly 1,000 medieval artefacts and treasures of international importance, unlocking the secrets of East Anglia’s medieval history and the world beyond.
- New interactive experiences and multisensory elements will enable visitors of all ages and interests to immerse themselves into the medieval world and understand what life was truly like in a Norman royal palace.
Alongside the Keep, the museum occupies the former wings of Norwich’s Victorian prison. The site’s other galleries remain open and feature extensive collections of international importance, including historic and contemporary fine and decorative art, archaeology, and natural history. Engage with hands-on activities and interactive displays for all ages. Explore the fine specimens of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and more in our Natural History Galleries. Journey through time in our decorative arts displays, home to the world’s most impressive teapot collection. Follow the dramatic story of Boudica’s rebellion against the Romans and the migrations of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings to East Anglia.
The fine art galleries celebrate the work of the Norwich School of Artists, with exquisite land and seascapes alongside a dynamic programme of special exhibitions. Discover the 300-year history of the county’s regiment through the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum’s object-rich displays.
Unwind with a cup of tea in the cafe overlooking stunning views of the Keep’s east wall, then browse the shop for unique gifts crafted by local makers.
A place to explore, learn and be inspired – where history comes to life at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery.
