The North Wall Arts Centre

The North Wall Arts Centre
About

The North Wall Arts Centre in Summertown, Oxford, is an award‑winning theatre, gallery, and creative hub dedicated to showcasing bold, innovative work. Opened in 2007 on the site of a former Victorian swimming pool, its striking design by Haworth Tompkins blends contemporary architecture with historic features, earning multiple accolades. Owned by St Edward’s School and shared with the public, it houses a flexible 200‑seat theatre, rehearsal spaces, and a light‑filled gallery. The North Wall presents a vibrant year‑round programme of contemporary theatre, comedy, music, dance, and visual arts, alongside its renowned ArtsLab initiative, which supports emerging artists through residencies and workshops. Committed to nurturing creativity and accessibility, it has hosted acclaimed performers from Eddie Izzard to Camille O’Sullivan, while offering a platform for new voices and experimental work. With its intimate atmosphere and adventurous spirit, The North Wall is a cornerstone of Oxford’s cultural life, inspiring audiences and artists alike.

Oxford United Kingdom
Location

The North Wall Arts Centre is located on South Parade in the heart of Summertown, Oxford (OX2 7JN), two miles north of the city centre and easily accessible by frequent bus routes or a short taxi journey from Oxford’s rail stations. Housed in an award-winning, contemporary space with a striking fusion of historic and modern architecture, it offers a lively programme of theatre, music, comedy, dance, talks, exhibitions, and creative workshops. Situated in Summertown’s thriving neighbourhood, the centre is close to independent boutiques, bookshops, cafés, and acclaimed restaurants, making it ideal for a cultural day out. Just steps away, visitors will find the Sarah Wiseman Gallery, Summertown Library, and Alexandra Courts park; a little further, the expansive green oasis of Port Meadow and the River Thames provide peaceful walks. Oxford’s city centre—home to the Ashmolean Museum, University Parks, and the Bodleian Library—is within a short bus or bike ride, ensuring the North Wall is perfectly placed for exploring both local gems and Oxford’s historic attractions.

Ashmolean Museum Ashmolean Museum Oxford Museum of Oxford Museum of Oxford Oxford Oxford University Museum of Natural History Oxford University Museum of Natural History Oxford Pitt Rivers Museum Pitt Rivers Museum Oxford History of Science Museum History of Science Museum Oxford Bate Collection of Musical Instruments Bate Collection of Musical Instruments Oxford Science Oxford Centre Science Oxford Centre Oxford The Story Museum The Story Museum Oxford Oxford Illusion Museum Oxford Illusion Museum Oxford Abingdon County Hall Museum Abingdon County Hall Museum Oxford The painted room The painted room Oxford Christ Church Picture Gallery Christ Church Picture Gallery Oxford Convocation House Convocation House Oxford Oxford Bus Museum Oxford Bus Museum Oxford Oxford Playhouse Oxford Playhouse Oxford New Theatre Oxford New Theatre Oxford Oxford Pegasus Theatre Pegasus Theatre Oxford Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Oxford Modern Art Oxford Modern Art Oxford Oxford Ovada Ovada Oxford Sarah Wiseman Galler Sarah Wiseman Galler Oxford Castle Fine Art Oxford Castle Fine Art Oxford Oxford Oxford Castle & Prison Oxford Castle & Prison Oxford The Grandpont House The Grandpont House Oxford Christ Church College Christ Church College Oxford Radcliffe Camera Radcliffe Camera Oxford Sheldonian Theatre Sheldonian Theatre Oxford Carfax Tower Carfax Tower Oxford Martyrs’ Memorial Martyrs’ Memorial Oxford Bridge of Sighs Bridge of Sighs Oxford University Parks University Parks Oxford Christ Church Meadow Christ Church Meadow Oxford South Park South Park Oxford Port Meadow Port Meadow Oxford Oxford Botanic Garden Oxford Botanic Garden Oxford Oxford Covered Market Oxford Covered Market Oxford Gloucester Green Market Gloucester Green Market Oxford East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market Oxford

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