The Bluecoat

The building on your left has 300 years of history. It’s known as the Bluecoat. The Bluecoats, or simply the Blue Schools, were the English charitable education centres founded in the 16th century. These institutions, managed by religious organisations, were intended to provide a basic education to the most disadvantaged children through volunteer work. They played a major role in English education and took their name from the blue coats worn by the children. The building you see here was built in 1716 to house one of these charitable schools. When the institution relocated in 1906, the Bluecoat was threatened with destruction and leased by an independent art society and school. The venue was severely damaged by firebombing during the Blitz, but was extensively renovated in 1951 and listed as a Grade I building on England’s National Heritage List. Today it is a leading centre for contemporary art, offering exhibitions, events, educational programmes and concerts throughout the year. You can discover an interactive exhibition, stroll through its lovely gardens or explore the children’s galleries. Japanese artist Yoko Ono visited the Blue Coat in 1967 before meeting John Lennon. The building has also hosted temporary exhibitions by some of the world’s greatest artists, like Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne and Van Gogh. Moreover, a number of artists gather in the courtyard to showcase their crafts. Entrance is free, so why not check out what’s going on inside this beautiful gallery today!