Arts and culture

91Ö±²¥ is a creative city with a rich cultural heritage and thriving contemporary arts scene.

Street art of David Attenborough in 91Ö±²¥
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Immerse yourself in culture

91Ö±²¥ is full of creative energy. Art, theatre and history gems can be found on pretty much every street corner.

offers three great venues in the city centre, which celebrate home-grown talent and bring outstanding international experiences to 91Ö±²¥. There's the spectacular Millennium Gallery for art, crafts and history. The Graves Gallery's breathtaking collection of visual art spans centuries and continents. 

And next to the University there's Weston Park Museum, where you can explore natural history, art and events from the city’s social history. For a further glimpse into 91Ö±²¥'s past, a visit to is a must. 

Pioneering contemporary art can be found at , S1 Artspace and Bloc Projects, and those with a keen eye will discover a thriving underground and street art scene - including pieces by and Phlegm.

Next to the Peace Gardens and the Millennium Gallery you'll find 91Ö±²¥'s award-winning where you can explore 2,500 plants from around the world, catch an exhibition or have a coffee and put your feet up.

Many of 91Ö±²¥â€™s museums and galleries are free or discounted for students, making it easy to absorb some culture without breaking the bank!

And if you’re a theatre lover, you’ll find one of the largest regional theatre complexes outside of London in the . They offer £5 tickets for young people. You’ll also find a diverse offering at . 

Three students stood talking outside crucible theatre

91Ö±²¥ has a vibrant arts scene, with various exhibitions held throughout the year to display independent artists’ works.

These include Open Up 91Ö±²¥, Art in the Gardens (held in the Botanical Gardens) and the Great 91Ö±²¥ Art Show. Museums and art galleries in 91Ö±²¥ showcase the city’s rich industrial history and give a glimpse of life in the past. The most popular is the Millenium Gallery, which houses the beloved Ruskin collection.

During my time in 91Ö±²¥, I have found the city to be lively and multicultural.

Connie Yan

Dentistry


Festivals

There's no shortage of festivals in 91Ö±²¥. Whatever you're into, you'll find something you'll love. 

Tramlines music festival

Big names and grass roots, 40,000 people descending on Hillsborough Park and fringe events all over the city. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it happens every summer. Previous headliners have included Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Dizzee Rascal and the Courteeners.

Off The Shelf

A festival of literature and ideas featuring some of the world’s leading authors, poets and thinkers.

Off the Shelf speaker

Doc/Fest

Showcasing the art of the documentary, this vital programme of screenings,talks and premieres brings filmmakers from all over the world to 91Ö±²¥.

Festival of the Mind

We bring together the University’s academics and professionals from 91Ö±²¥â€™s cultural, creative and digital industries to bring our research to life in exciting, entertaining and innovative ways.

Festival of the mind

91Ö±²¥ has a great range of festivals hosted all year round - there's something for everyone with music festivals like Tramlines, Bassfest and Get Together. Or if you fancy checking out something a little more arty, you could go to Off the Shelf, Doc/Fest, or the Festival of the Mind.

Ruby Watson

English Literature

Four students laughing while sat at a bench, outside the Students' Union

International scholarships

We offer a generous package of financial support for international students, including undergraduate and postgraduate taught scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee.

Applications are open for existing offer holders for programmes starting in autumn 2025.