Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery, Nottingham

Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery stands atop Castle Rock, a dramatic sandstone promontory that towers over the city of Nottingham. Although little remains of the original Norman stronghold-built by William the Conqueror in 1068-the current structure tells a layered story of power, destruction, and cultural renewal. After centuries as a royal fortress and residence, the medieval castle fell into disrepair and was demolished following the English Civil War. In its place, a grand ducal mansion was constructed in the 1670s by William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle. This mansion, in turn, was burned by rioters during the 1831 Reform Bill protests and remained in ruins until it was repurposed in the 1870s as a museum and art gallery.

The museum opened to the public in 1878, becoming the first provincial art museum in England. Today, it is part of Nottingham City Museums & Galleries and underwent a major redevelopment, reopening in 2021 with updated galleries and exhibitions.

The collection spans centuries and styles, with British and European paintings from the 11th century to the present day. It features notable works by local talents such as Paul Sandby, Richard Parkes Bonington, and Dame Laura Knight, and includes landscapes that reflect Nottingham's evolving identity. The museum also houses a rich array of Dutch Golden Age paintings-tavern scenes, religious narratives, and still lifes-by artists such as Pieter Codde, Jan Brueghel, and Adriaen van der Werff.

Contemporary art has a growing presence, including photography by Sam Taylor-Wood and Zanele Muholi, and craft pieces by Grayson Perry and Edmund de Waal. The textile and lace-focused decorative arts section pays tribute to Nottingham’s industrial heritage.

Though only fragments of the original medieval castle remain-like the gatehouse and parts of the ramparts-the museum offers a compelling blend of history, art, and local pride, making Nottingham Castle a unique cultural landmark.