Hungate Medieval Art

About the museum

St Peter Hungate stands on Princes Street beside Elm Hill in the centre of Norwich. A church has been on the site since at least the 13th century, and almost all of the present building dates from the 15th century, when like many Norwich churches it was largely rebuilt. A bequest of 1451 for painting the rood loft suggests that the work was nearly complete by then. The late medieval roof is carved with many angels and is the best-known feature of the building.

By the late 19th century the church was in poor condition and was saved from closure and demolition by a local member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. It reopened in 1908 after a thorough restoration, but the falling population of the city centre soon left it without a regular congregation. A new plan gave the building a different purpose: it was leased as a museum, run by the city museum service, and the St Peter Hungate Museum of Ecclesiastical Art opened on 27 June 1933. Its collection included vestments, paintings, Bibles, communion plate and bells.

The museum closed in the late 1990s, when local authority budgets were cut and the facilities needed updating. In 2008 a charitable trust, Hungate Medieval Art, was set up to use the church to promote Norfolk’s medieval heritage. It opened in 2009 and stages two or three free exhibitions a year about medieval art and architecture and contemporary work that responds to it, together with lectures, events and workshops for families.

Highlights

• Late medieval angel roof
• Free exhibitions on medieval and contemporary art
• Permanent display boards on the church building
• Brass rubbing for children and adults
• Lectures, events and family workshops
• Garden open to visitors

Permanent exhibition

• Permanent displays on the church building – Display boards highlight features of the church, such as its angel roof and medieval glass, and volunteers explain more on request.

Founded

2008

Operated by

Hungate Medieval Art (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission and exhibitions are free. Donations are welcome and help to maintain the Grade I listed building. Brass rubbing is offered with a suggested donation of £4, and all materials are provided.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main floor is level and, with the exception of the chancel, the building is wheelchair accessible. There is a WC with level access.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Themed workshops for families are held, and brass rubbing with replica tomb brasses suits children and adults.

Getting there & parking

The former church stands on Princes Street, next to Elm Hill in Norwich city centre.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available

There are no catering facilities on site. The website lists an online shop, and visitors may spend time in the garden.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 80 guests.

The nave and chancel can be hired for small receptions, meetings and other events, with space for about 80 people standing or about 40 seated. The church cannot be licensed for civil weddings but small wedding receptions are welcome. It is not licensed for alcohol and is not suitable for amplified music.

Plan your visit