Events calendar

From tattooed Bronze age hunter gatherers, through Roman Britons, medieval pilgrims, Georgian sailors and Victorian aristocrats, to the flappers of the 1920s and gay middle class men in the 1980s, Dr Matt Lodder will guide you through an illustrated lecture telling the untold story of tattooing in the West. Far from a recent phenomenon, imported from far-away lands and only newly trendy, close attention to historical sources reveals a rich, ever-present set of tattooing cultures and subcultures which reflect and respond to dominant forms of art making, cultural norms, and shifting fashions." By Dr Matt Lodder, Director of American Studies and lecturer in art history at the University of Essex. NOTE: THIS WILL BE THE SAME TALK AS THE DAYTIME ONE BUT WILL INCLUDE A CHANCE TO GO AROUND THE EXHIBITION GALLERY WITH DR. LODDER AND ASK QUESTIONS.

From tattooed Bronze age hunter gatherers, through Roman Britons, medieval pilgrims, Georgian sailors and Victorian aristocrats, to the flappers of the 1920s and gay middle class men in the 1980s, Dr Matt Lodder will guide you through an illustrated lecture telling the untold story of tattooing in the West. Far from a recent phenomenon, imported from far-away lands and only newly trendy, close attention to historical sources reveals a rich, ever-present set of tattooing cultures and subcultures which reflect and respond to dominant forms of art making, cultural norms, and shifting fashions." By Dr Matt Lodder, Director of American Studies and lecturer in art history at the University of Essex.

Uncover the hidden history and stories of tattoos with the many different symbols, patterns and motifs of body art. Have your face painted and create your own tattooed sailor with Print to the People.

Explore the curious and the unknown in our February Half Term event, 'Hidden', with a host of brilliant activities for all the family! From the secret etchings on the walls of the medieval keep, to puzzling paintings and collections found buried deep in the ground, there's plenty discover this school holiday at Norwich Castle. Plus, a chance to explore Laura Wilson's Deepening. Programme changes daily, included with museum admission. Excludes Sunday.

Enjoy a short introduction to Norwich Castle’s exhibition of Laura Wilson’s Deepening. Connect this sensory contemporary art work with the museum’s collections of relevant artefacts on permanent display in our galleries. Tour at 1pm and 3pm.

Not-So-Secret Agents, we need you! Sneak undetected through our galleries in cunning disguises to find the mysterious messages hidden within some of the museum’s paintings. Can you work as a team to unlock the curator’s box? Spaces limited, visitors must book a place on arrival at the museum. Times change daily.

Join us for a storytelling session with the Yarnsmith of Norwich, Dave Tonge! Last year we enjoyed Dave's stories from his book Norfolk Folk Tales so much that we have invited him back to share stories from his new book, Medieval Folk Tales! Ticket price options: £15.00 for two adults and up to three children including museum admission and one copy of the book; £12.00 for one adult and up to three children including museum admission and one copy of the book; £11.00 for one adult including museum admission and one copy of the book; £5.00 per adult and £4.50 per child including museum admission when purchased without a copy of the book (book RRP £10.28). Advance booking is essential on 01842 752599.

Revise your relationship with our collections as we explore the grim realities, controversy and devastation behind some of the seemingly beautiful and benign objects across the museum. Events contain adult themes, talks and tours last 30-45 minutes. Plastic...Fantastic? - Plastic is the taboo material of our time. Find out how it features in museum collections, and our everyday lives as well as its impact upon the world.

A chance to test your knowledge at Ancient House after the museum has closed its doors to the general public. Go head to head against other teams to find out who are the ultimate museum masterminds. With lots of questions, and a prize to be won, so why not come along. Ticket price includes a slice of pizza and a soft drink. Please let us know of any dietary requirements. Advance booking essential, please call 01842 752 599.

Join local writer Daisy Henwood of TOAST for a fun, drop-in creative writing workshop! Re-using the pages of old and unloved books, create your own short poetry, and discover how to find poems everywhere in the world around you, hidden in plain view. Suitable for ages 8+, no booking needed.

Explore the curious and the unknown in our February Half Term event, 'Hidden', with a host of brilliant activities for all the family! From the secret etchings on the walls of the medieval keep, to puzzling paintings and collections found buried deep in the ground, there's plenty discover this school holiday at Norwich Castle. Plus, a chance to explore Laura Wilson's Deepening. Programme changes daily, included with museum admission. Excludes Sunday.

Celebrate the city's shoe heritage with a pop-up exhibition, workshops and family half-term fun. Plus on 18 - 22 February, design a shoe, take our shoe-spotting trail and make a keyring to take home.

Enjoy a guided tour of Norwich's iconic medieval castle keep. Saturdays, 12 noon.

Join Snap the dragon as he heads out on an archaeological adventure across the museum! A brand new Snapdragons Saturday Special for children aged 2-4 and their grown ups. Spaces are limited, booking essential on 01603 495 897 / 01603 493 625. This session is not suitable for older children.

Celebrate the art of home appreciation through the ages, with samplers, scrapbook craft and favourite recipes.

Enjoy a guided tour of Norwich's iconic medieval castle. Weekdays, 12 noon.

Enjoy a guided tour of Norwich's iconic medieval castle. Weekdays, 12 noon.

Celebrate the city's shoe heritage with a pop-up exhibition, workshops and family half-term fun. Plus on 18 - 22 February, design a shoe, take our shoe-spotting trail and make a keyring to take home.

Celebrate the city's shoe heritage with a pop-up exhibition, workshops and family half-term fun. Plus on 18 - 22 February, design a shoe, take our shoe-spotting trail and make a keyring to take home.

Introductory tour of this fascinating Tudor house.

Enjoy a guided tour of Norwich's iconic medieval castle. Weekdays, 12 noon.

Enjoy a guided tour of Norwich's iconic medieval castle. Weekdays, 12 noon.

Join us for a relaxed visit to the museum with our friendly staff, using museum collections to prompt memories followed by a cuppa. please call to book.

Celebrate the city's shoe heritage with a pop-up exhibition, workshops and family half-term fun. Plus on 18 - 22 February, design a shoe, take our shoe-spotting trail and make a keyring to take home.

Celebrate the city's shoe heritage with a pop-up exhibition, workshops and family half-term fun. Plus on 18 - 22 February, design a shoe, take our shoe-spotting trail and make a keyring to take home.

Dr Rosy Gray in conversation with Laura Wilson (artist); Mark Knight (Cambridge Archaeology Unit; Dr Melanie Giles (University of Manchester) and Dr Abi Shapiro (The Hepworth, Wakefield). Part of the Deepening public programme.

In 1889, William Morris, the well known artist and 'founder' of the 'arts and craft' movement, came to Yarmouth on three occasions. Why did he come? It was to support his revolutionary socialist party the Socialist League following the establishment of a branch in the town. This talk looks at why the League managed to gain support in the town as well as explain the nature of local politics in the late 19th century. A talk by Gareth Davies.

Enjoy a guided tour of Norwich's iconic medieval castle. Weekdays, 12 noon.

Don't miss your chance to join our Saturday morning club for children aged 8-11! Learn to fight like a knight, complete quests and get creative. Booking essential, call 01603 495 897 / 493 625. For more information, or to apply for a discretionary place, email Lee.Warden@norfolk.gov.uk.