Benedictine Art Project
whats-on
Sunday 17 May until Sunday 4 October 2026
Discover three new installations in the Cathedral Close which explore the Cathedral’s Benedictine heritage through contemporary art.
Enjoy a free exhibition of outdoor art
Norwich Cathedral’s beginnings as a Benedictine monastery continue to inspire life at the Cathedral in the 21st century, and our latest open-air exhibition explores the Cathedral’s Benedictine heritage past and present.
Three artists have teamed up with three local charities to create the artworks which reflect the Benedictine themes of healing and wholeness, hospitality and contemplative learning.
All are welcome to explore this free exhibition which features art in the Cloister, outside the Hostry, and in Almary Green.
The Cloak of St Martin
A large abstract recreation of the Church of St Ethelbert can be found in Almary Green, close to the Ethelbert Gate entrance to the Cathedral Close.
This installation also combines a reminder of the cloak of St Martin.
He was a Roman soldier in the fourth century who, when confronted in Amiens by a naked beggar, gave him half of his cloak. In a subsequent dream, Jesus revealed himself to Martin as that beggar.
This work has been created by artist Hardy Gru in collaboration with St Martins Housing Trust, a Norwich-based charity which aims to help the homeless build a better life in Norwich and Norfolk.
A place of healing with no walls or doors
“It’s a place of contemplation, a place of healing and to be still, and to find the church within ourselves. It is a space that is open and welcoming with no walls or doors.
“Through building this project with local people, I really learned a lot about Norwich and the community, and how important people are to each other here. It’s very good to see, a very open and welcoming place.” - Artist Hardy Gru
A symbol of protection, generosity, and shared shelter
“It has been wonderful seeing the Cloak of St Martin take shape, and for the people we support to be involved in its design.
"The Cloak is symbol of protection, generosity, and shared shelter and we hope that visitors will be inspired and moved by it.” - Dr Jan Sheldon, Chief Executive of St Martins
The Hospitality of Abraham
Outside the Hostry, visitors will see two old doors transformed into a tabletop covered with plates featuring recipes from around the world.
The Hospitality of Abraham was the idea of artist Deborah Tompsett who has worked with English+, a Norwich-based charity helping those who are starting new lives in the city.
Inspired by the Benedictine rule to welcome the stranger
“The installation was inspired by the Benedictine rule to welcome the stranger. It is a big table at which everyone is welcome and everyone brings their stories.
“The idea developed so that English+ students could share recipes from their home countries, and food became the language in which everyone could tell their stories.” - Artist Deborah Tompsett
Sharing traditions and building community
“Students at English+ were keen to take part in decorating plates with favourite food memories from their home countries. They loved the painting session, sharing their food traditions whilst many incorporated symbols from their home countries too.
"It built a feeling of being part of the Norwich community through contributing to the exhibition.” - Rosie Sexton, English+ Charity Director
The Light Comes from All Sides
Completing the trio of works is The Light Comes from All Sides, an installation in the Cloister which has been created by artist Lily Bunney in collaboration with St Nicholas Priory School, Great Yarmouth, and Walsingham CE VA Primary School.
Here ancient book cupboards, once used by the Benedictine monks, have been decorated with stained glass inspired by the Cloister and the medieval roof bosses which adorn the ancient architecture.
Reflecting the history of contemplative study
“The Light Comes from All Sides reflects the history of contemplative study and deep worship practised in the Cloisters using contemporary images and collages put together by children from two local Norfolk schools.
“The schoolchildren also helped make the work, which is made from glass beads strung together and works in dialogue with the stained glass in the Cathedral." - Artist Lily Bunney
A truly rewarding and creative journey
"It has been a privilege to help shape the concept of Contemplative Learning, one of the project’s key Benedictine themes.
“Engaging schools from the Diocese in developing the artist’s brief—and then working alongside the artist to create the Cloister installation—has been a truly rewarding and creative journey." - Chris Allen, Director of Education at the Diocese of Norwich
Open for all to explore
The Benedictine Art Project runs from Sunday 17 May until Sunday 4 October 2026 in Norwich Cathedral’s Close.
The exhibition is free for all to explore.
Please note that the Cloister closes at 6pm every day but the Lower Close and Almary Green are open in the evening.
Living by the Rule: Contemporary meets Medieval
The Benedictine Art Project has been designed to complement an exhibition taking place at the Sainsbury Centre which reflects on the enduring influence of St Benedict.
Living by the Rule: Contemporary Meets Medieval runs from 16 May to 4 October 2026 and the Cathedral is pleased to have loaned the Sainsbury Centre a number of objects from its collections for the exhibition.
