Following four years of research and development and 15 months of construction work, St John's Church, a Grade II* listed building, was converted into a visual arts centre.
Today, it offers exhibitions, activities and events for residents of North Lincolnshire, as well as providing a programme of touring exhibitions, taking the great shows we organise for Scunthorpe to galleries and museums throughout the country.
Now in its ninth year, the centre has attracted over 400,000 visitors.
This impressive project has received over £1.6 million in support from The Arts Council of England, The European Regional Development Fund and The Single Regeneration Budget.
Consecrated in 1891, St John's Church served a thriving community and remained a place of worship until it was deconsecrated in 1984.
Following many years of disuse and dereliction, the church has been returned to its former glory and has been extended on its south side with a single storey building designed by architects, Allen Tod.
The centre boasts a wide range of facilities including three excellent spaces for a regularly changing programme of art and craft exhibitions, a cafe, a contemporary art and craft shop stocking unique, hand-made items, greeting cards and prints, education room and meeting room hire facilities.
The entrance features a specially commissioned gate, produced by artist John Creed, who worked with local people to gather the inspiration for his design.
Visiting
20-21 Visual Arts Centre is located in Church Square at the eastern end of the High Street in Scunthorpe town centre. The galleries are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am and 4pm and the Cafe is open between 10am and 3pm (4pm on a Saturday).
For further details including directions, public transport information and parking see the Visitor Information page.
Chrismas opening times
20-21 Visual Arts Centre will be open as normal until Friday 23 December. We will be open from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 24 December (Christmas Eve). The building will then be closed through the festive period, re-opening as normal on Tuesday 3 January.
Help us improve our service
We need your help to continue improving the service we offer. If you have used the Visual Arts Centre, please take a few minutes to complete our online survey.
You are very welcome to call us on 01724 297070 if you'd like to find out more about the centre.
More information