Picture highlights from the Benedictine Art Project launch

The Benedictine Art Project - Norwich Cathedral's new outdoor art exhibition exploring the Cathedral's Benedictine heritage past and present - was officially opened on Sunday 17 May.

Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating the launch of this inspiring exhibition which will run until autumn 2026.

We hope people of all ages will enjoy exploring the installations that can be found in three different areas of the Cathedral Close - the Cloister, Almary Green and outside the Hostry.

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.

A large abstract recreation of the Church of St Ethelbert draped in the cloak of St Martin can be found in Almary Green, close to the Ethelbert Gate entrance to the Cathedral Close. Entitled the Cloak of St Martin, the work is a collaboration between artist Hardy Gru and local homelessness charity St Martins. During the opening event, The Loddon Band played inside the installation.

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.

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 and Diocese of Norwich schools. 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.

Pictures by Bill Smith.